Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia’s massive crude oil infrastructure makes an inviting target for an Iranian attack, a report said.

The Institute for Gulf Affairs asserted that the Saudi energy infrastructure could come under attack from a range of Iranian assets.

In a report, the Washington-based institute cited the prospect of an Iranian
missile strike, unmanned aerial vehicle attack and mortar shelling.

“While much attention has been paid to the threat posed by Al Qaida,
Shi’a elements pose as much of a threat to the security of the oil
infrastructure, particularly since the bulk of this infrastructure is
located in Saudi Arabia’s predominantly Shi’a volatile Eastern Province,”
the report, titled

“Threats to the Saudi Oil Infrastructure,” said. “Iranian
support to emerging local groups within Saudi Arabia could threaten the
country’s energy sector.”

The institute, linked to the Shi’ite opposition, said Saudi Arabia must
expand and consolidate security forces assigned to the energy sector.

The report warned that Iran could use its arsenal of ballistic, cruise and other
missiles for which “they do not need to raise the level of general warfare
for the greatest amount of damage to be inflicted.”

  Eastern Province, Institute for Gulf Affairs, Report: Vast Saudi oil infrastructure is vulnerable to an Iran attack, Shia