LONDON (Reuters) - In the two weeks since attacks blamed on missiles or drones shut down half of Saudi Arabia's oil output, the country that has arguably moved most deftly to position itself for any upside is Russia. 
Iran is playing this game of chicken because it believes Washington does not have the will to out-escalate it. 
KHURAIS, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia on Friday took media to inspect oil facilities hit by attacks that Washington and Riyadh blame on Iran, showing melted pipes and burnt equipment, as Tehran vowed wide retaliation if heightened tensions boil over into hostilities. 
DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday it was building a coalition to deter Iranian threats following a weekend attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities. 
Rep. Jim Himes (D., Conn.) said during an appearance on Morning Joe Thursday morning that the attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia as an "act of war," but pushed back against U.S. involvement and said Iran was acting out because President Trump walked away from the nuclear agreement. 
Washington Free Beacon editor in chief Matthew Continetti argued Wednesday that President Donald Trump's sanctions have so far not managed to deter Iran. 
The New York Times recycled analysis of the Trump administration's claims of Iranian bellicosity, publishing two pieces just months apart raising questions about whether President Donald Trump's accusations against the Khamenei regime could be trusted given his tendency to stretch the truth. 
Sen. Tim Kaine (D., Va.) said during a Wednesday interview with CNN host John Berman that Iran's recent attacks on Saudi Arabian oil fields were triggered by United States sanctions. Berman then wondered whether Kaine was "victim-blaming" by saying the attacks were provoked. 
WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States believes the attacks that crippled Saudi Arabian oil facilities last weekend originated in southwestern Iran, a U.S. official told Reuters on Tuesday, an assessment that further increases tension in the Middle East. 
If history is any guide, the regime in Iran will not go punch for punch with the United States. 