**Saudi Arabia Steps Up Defence After Iran Strikes Oil Refinery** In a shocking turn of events, Saudi Arabia's military has increased its alert levels following a series of attacks by Iran. The Gulf nation's oil infrastructure, a vital component of its economy, has been targeted by drones, sparking concerns about a possible military response. The Ras Tanura refinery, one of the largest in the Middle East, was forced to shut down temporarily after a drone strike. This refinery is a crucial part of Saudi Arabia's energy sector and has a massive capacity of 550,000 barrels per day. The attack on the refinery has raised tensions in the region, with analysts warning of a significant escalation in the conflict. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has been at the forefront of the ongoing Middle East war. The country's oil fields and infrastructure are located in the eastern Gulf, across the water from Iran. If Iran is seen to be launching a targeted campaign against Saudi Arabia's oil installations, military retaliation may be on the cards. According to a source close to the Saudi government, the country's military will watch and wait before taking any action. However, if Iran continues to target Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, a military response may be inevitable. Saudi Arabia has already warned Iran that it reserves the right to defend itself, including through retaliation. The attack on the Ras Tanura refinery has sent shockwaves through the region, with analysts warning of a possible military response by Saudi Arabia. Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, said the incident marks a significant escalation in tensions in the Gulf. He warned that the attack may draw Saudi Arabia and its neighbours closer to joining US and Israeli military operations against Iran. The conflict in the Middle East has been escalating for weeks, with Iran firing barrages across the region. Saudi Arabia has been a key player in the conflict, with its oil infrastructure being targeted by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the past. The country's military has been on high alert, with the recent attack on the Ras Tanura refinery serving as a stark reminder of the risks involved. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of escalation are potentially catastrophic.