Key Takeaways:

• In 2019, drone attacks from Yemen hit Saudi oil sites.
• The U.S. did not respond to the attacks, surprising Saudi leaders.
• Saudi Arabia started to question its long-term security ties with the U.S.
• The situation highlighted growing tension in the U.S.–Saudi partnership.
• Iran’s influence in the region raised more fears for Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the Saudi Doubt on U.S. Protection

In September 2019, something alarming happened in the Middle East. Ten armed drones fired by the Houthi rebels in Yemen struck two key oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. The attacks led to serious damage and temporarily cut Saudi oil production in half.

Even more shocking was what followed. The United States, often seen as Saudi Arabia’s protector, chose not to strike back. Despite being a major Saudi ally, the U.S. offered no military response. This caught Saudi leaders off guard and left them wondering — could America still be trusted to protect them?

Let’s dive deeper into why Saudi Arabia started doubting the safety net it thought it had.

Drone Attack on Saudi Oil Fields

The Houthis, a rebel group from Yemen, claimed responsibility for the drone strikes. These drones hit Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, two of the most vital pieces of Saudi Arabia’s energy puzzle. The attacks caused fires, shut down almost 50% of the country’s oil production, and shocked global oil markets.

The Saudis didn’t expect such a large and coordinated attack, especially so close to home. And they definitely didn’t expect the U.S. — their long-time partner — to stay silent.

America’s Silence Created Confusion

For decades, Saudi Arabia viewed the U.S. as its strongest military partner. The two countries worked together closely, sharing intelligence and defense plans. Saudi Arabia even allowed U.S. troops on its soil during past wars.

But this time, it felt different. The United States, under President Donald Trump, made no direct move to punish the attackers. Instead, the U.S. offered to help Saudi Arabia defend itself better in the future. That didn’t feel like enough.

This act of silence delivered a loud message to Saudi Arabia: You might be on your own next time.

JCPOA Fueled Saudi Concerns

Saudi doubts about the U.S. didn’t begin with the drone strikes. In fact, some of that doubt started years earlier. A major turning point was when the U.S. under President Barack Obama signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2015.

That agreement aimed to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons by easing economic sanctions in return for nuclear limits. While it sounded like a good diplomatic move to some in the West, Saudi Arabia saw things differently.

From where the Saudis stood, Iran was a direct threat. After all, Iran supports many groups in the region that challenge Saudi influence — including the Houthis. So, when the U.S. made a deal with Iran, it didn’t feel like peace. It felt like betrayal.

Regional Power Struggles Add to the Fear

In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran often find themselves on opposite sides. They back different political groups, religious ideologies, and military strategies. For the Saudis, having the U.S. by their side helped balance power in the region.

But with America pulling troops out of certain conflicts and making deals with Iran, Saudi Arabia began to feel more vulnerable. It wasn’t just about the 2019 drone strike — it was about a pattern of U.S. actions that seemed to step back from leadership in the region.

As Iran’s power and influence grow, Saudi Arabia knows its own defense depends on more than just hope.

Looking for New Friends and Safer Options

So, what does a country do when its most trusted partner appears to be stepping back? It looks for new options.

Since the drone attack, Saudi Arabia has started building stronger ties with other world powers. It’s investing more in its own defense technology, buying advanced weapons from outside countries, and looking toward nations like China and Russia for business deals and political support.

This doesn’t mean that Saudi Arabia has cut ties with the U.S. But it does mean they’re no longer putting all their trust in one basket.

The Future of U.S.–Saudi Relations

Going forward, Saudi Arabia will likely continue to work with the United States. However, the relationship may look more like a business deal than a loyal friendship.

Both sides share some interests — like fighting terrorism and keeping oil markets stable. But Saudi leaders now know that when things get really serious, they may not be able to count fully on American protection.

This shift marks a big moment in Middle East politics. Countries that once depended on the world’s strongest military power are now asking: What happens when the U.S. decides it’s time to step back?

Final Thoughts

The drone attack in 2019 wasn’t just a strike on oil facilities — it was a strike on trust. It changed how Saudi Arabia sees its place in the world and how stable its relationships really are. As nations in the Middle East adjust to a changing power dynamic, one question remains central: who can truly be trusted when national security is on the line?

FAQs

Why did the U.S. not respond to the 2019 drone attacks in Saudi Arabia?

The U.S. chose not to take direct military action, likely to avoid a larger war with Iran, who was suspected to be involved. Instead, the U.S. focused on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s future defenses.

How did the Iran nuclear deal affect Saudi-U.S. relations?

The Iran nuclear deal made Saudi Arabia feel betrayed. They saw it as a move that helped Iran — their main rival — gain more power, while the U.S. ignored Saudi security concerns.

What was the impact of the drone attack?

The 2019 drone strike severely disrupted Saudi oil production and raised fears about the country’s ability to defend itself. It also shook global oil markets and prompted Saudi Arabia to rethink its defense strategy.

Is Saudi Arabia still allied with the U.S.?

Yes, but the relationship is changing. Saudi Arabia is now exploring other partnerships and building its own military strength while keeping the U.S. as one of several allies.