U.S. secretary of defense says mulls "all options" about attacks on Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper affirmed on Monday that Washington is considering "all possible options" in addressing the recent attacks on two oil plants in Abqaiq and Khurais in Saudi Arabia.

This satellite overview handout image obtained September 16, 2019 courtesy of Planet Labs Inc. shows damage to oil/gas infrastructure from weekend drone attacks at Abqaig on September 14, 2019 in Saudi Arabia. [Photo: Planet Labs Inc./ AFP]

Esper, in a phone call he had with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressed Washington's full support for the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He lauded Riyadh's role in supporting international efforts to confront the Iranian threats posed to freedom of navigation.

Meanwhile, bin Salman said the Iranian threats are not only directed to the kingdom but affect the Middle East and the world as well.

The Saudi foreign ministry had released a statement condemning Saturday's attacks on two Aramco oil plants that caused a temporary suspension of oil production along with a 50 percent cut in oil production.