Following media reports that Saudi Arabia had provided the U.S. with intelligence described as signaling Iranian intentions “to carry out attacks on both the kingdom and Erbil”, a White House spokesperson indicated that “we are concerned about the threat picture, and we remain in constant contact through military and intelligence channels with the Saudis... We will not hesitate to act in the defence of our interests and partners in the region”. Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the report as “biased fabrication”, emphasising that “Iran believes improvement of stability and security in the region hinges on constructive interaction with neighbours”.