President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE on Sunday announced he had authorized the use of the U.S.'s emergency oil reserve in response to a series of drone attacks in Saudi Arabia that have disrupted the Gulf country's crude output.

"Based on the attack on Saudi Arabia, which may have an impact on oil prices, I have authorized the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if needed, in a to-be-determined amount sufficient to keep the markets well-supplied," Trump said in a series of tweets. "I have also informed all appropriate agencies to expedite approvals of the oil pipelines currently in the permitting process in Texas and various other States."

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Established in the 1970s in response to the Arab oil embargo, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the world's largest crude oil stash. Located along parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, it has been used a handful of times times since its conception: during the first Gulf War in 1991, after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and following supply chain disruptions in Libya in 2011.

Trump's decision, which had been signaled earlier this weekend by Energy Secretary Rick Perry Rick PerryEnergy secretary questions consensus that humans cause climate change OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump signs major conservation bill into law | Senate votes to confirm Energy's No. 2 official | Trump Jr. expresses opposition to Pebble Mine project MORE, comes after a series of drone attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia cut off around 5 percent of the country's crude output, sparking fears that they will impact oil prices around the globe.

The attacks were claimed by Houthi rebels fighting Saudi-backed forces in Libya, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE blamed the attacks on Iran. Tehran has dismissed the allegations.

Trump later tweeted that the U.S. was waiting for confirmation as to who was likely responsible.

"There is reason to believe that we know the culprit, are locked and loaded depending on verification, but are waiting to hear from the Kingdom as to who they believe was the cause of this attack, and under what terms we would proceed!" he said.

The attacks are a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict between Riyadh, one of the U.S.'s closest partners in the region, and Tehran.