Any thoughts on this. I guess oil supplies could be severely disrupted. Is there a good and bad guy in this? Will the West get involved?

We have now sunk to a depth at which the restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men. [Orwell]

I'd imagine the west will side with the Saudi's but not directly intervene.

There is no real positive outcome unless maybe both countries peoples rise up, overthrow their governments and by some miracle implement a moderate Muslim state (fat chance).

That said, I don't think the two will directly come to blows, but will duel it out through proxies.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

They're all mouth and no thawbs.

Optimistic as ever

There won't be a war any time soon. Saudi Arabia couldn't do a war in its own name (nowhere near good enough ground troops to stand up to Iran), but nobody would attack Saudi at the minute -- at least in a serious way -- while it's effectively under U.S. protection. (Which of course it will remain forever).

At the moment, I'm sure MBS is happy to just fight the proxy war with Iran in Yemen.

The issue is Iran's growing sphere of influence, having taken a huge controlling hand in Iraq already. That's a lot of oil and a lot of people that IRan controls. It's also gained budgetary discipline because of the sanctions Obama imposed, which means it can tolerate lower oil prices than Saudi (although of course both would like higher).

I think what you will see is Saudi Arabia funding counter-Iranian militancy and insurgencies as the most cost-effective way of operating. Will MBS try to build a proper army to take it to Iran? I doubt it. For one thing, Iran would see it coming.

I actually am convinced (sadly) that MBS is going to trip up. He's being SO bullish. That would really really play into Iran's hands. I hope not. Whatever you think of Saudi Arabia, they're `our' guys and a world in which they're overrun by Iran doesn't bear thinking about.

MBS seems to want to bring more moderate ways to Saudi Arabia and also to westernize it. That wouldn't be bad, provided it's a genuine quest and the power doesn't go to his head along the way (which it really may do).

If you want to live in a world full of kindness, respect and love, try to show these qualities.

The Saudi - Israel love affair will certainly make things politically interesting in the Gulf.

Kuwait already showing signs that they don't fancy normalising relationships with Bibi and his mates.

Oil exporters stand to make an absolute killing if prices get cranked up by further increases in tension....just a thought.

As others have said, unless the Saudis are under pressure themselves to act as US / Israel proxies, there's no way they're going to do anything directly against Iran (and Russia by extension).

Well I think Simon's head is large; always involved in espionage. (Name that tune)

no.

If you want to live in a world full of kindness, respect and love, try to show these qualities.