Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital
Saudi Arabia confirmed that Houthi rebels attempted to target its capital with a ballistic missile, marking the first strike aimed at Riyadh since regional fighting escalated. The announcement follows Saudi airstrikes in Yemen that left dozens of casualties in Taiz and hit a key port city. Houthi military adviser Abed Mohammed al-Thawr warned the United States against intervening in Yemen or seeking control of the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint as Saudi Arabia seeks American backing. Meanwhile, mediators continue working to broker a deal between the United States and Iran despite U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting Tehran's proposal.
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- ✓ Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile.
- ✓ Saudi airstrikes on Taiz in southwest Yemen caused dozens of casualties, according to the Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.
- ✓ Houthi military adviser Abed Mohammed al-Thawr warned the United States against intervening in Yemen or seeking control of Bab el-Mandeb.
- ✓ Mediators are still working with Iran and the United States on brokering a deal to end the fighting and open the Strait of Hormuz.
What changed
Saudi Arabia officially confirmed a ballistic missile attack targeting its capital following fresh airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Live updates
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Saudi Arabia Reports Houthi Capital Attack as Yemen Strikes Intensify
Saudi Arabia confirmed that Houthi rebels attempted to target its capital with a ballistic missile, marking the first strike aimed at Riyadh since regional fighting escalated. The announcement follows Saudi airstrikes in Yemen that left dozens of casualties in Taiz and hit a key port city. Houthi military adviser Abed Mohammed al-Thawr warned the United States against intervening in Yemen or seeking control of the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint as Saudi Arabia seeks American backing. Meanwhile, mediators continue working to broker a deal between the United States and Iran despite U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting Tehran's proposal.
Why it matters
The escalation traps Saudi Arabia between critical maritime chokepoints as Houthi forces secure strategic waterways vital for global energy flows. France has pledged military assets to defend Saudi oil ports while regional energy markets face record fuel costs. Political analysts argue that Washington has left Riyadh to confront the renewed hostilities independently.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile.
- Saudi airstrikes on Taiz in southwest Yemen caused dozens of casualties, according to the Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.
- Houthi military adviser Abed Mohammed al-Thawr warned the United States against intervening in Yemen or seeking control of Bab el-Mandeb.
- Mediators are still working with Iran and the United States on brokering a deal to end the fighting and open the Strait of Hormuz.
Still unconfirmed
- U.S. President Donald Trump has abandoned Saudi Arabia amid renewed hostilities with Yemen's Houthis, according to University of Chicago Professor John Mearsheimer.
What to watch next
- Whether the United States provides direct backing to Saudi Arabia regarding the strikes in Yemen.
- Progress from mediators attempting to broker a deal between the U.S. and Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
- Further French military deployments to protect Saudi energy sites.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Houthis say Saudi Arabia conducts deadly strike on key port city
- www.indiatoday.in — Houthis U-turn on US, threaten American interests in Middle East if Trump backs Saudi Arabia Yemen strike....
- www.france24.com — Saudi reports fresh Houthi attacks as France pledges to defend key oil port
- www.rt.com — Trump left Saudi Arabia to face Houthis alone – Mearsheimer to RT (VIDEO) — RT World News
- foreignpolicy.com — Iran War Exposes Saudi Arabia's Bad Bet on Trumpism
- www.channelnewsasia.com — Houthis say Saudi strikes on Yemen's Taiz leave dozens of ...
- www.armstrongeconomics.com — The Houthis Have Saudi Arabia Trapped Between Two Chokepoints | Armstrong Economics
- www.ctvnews.ca — Iran war news: Trump rejects Tehran's latest proposal
- www.wfmz.com — Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack ...
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Trump Rejects Iran Strait Plan as Houthi Tensions Persist
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially rejected Iran's seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if specific conditions are met. This dismissal comes amid heightened regional instability driven by Houthi ballistic missile attacks targeting Riyadh and ongoing efforts by Houthi fighters to secure the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. France previously announced military deployments to protect Saudi energy sites, while European governments implement subsidies and tax revisions to combat record fuel costs driven by Iranian nuclear acceleration and supply disruptions.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital global energy corridor, and its closure has driven up crude oil prices worldwide. Tensions have intensified as regional conflicts intersect with broader diplomatic maneuvers, including recent indirect talks at the United Nations General Assembly. President Trump's refusal to accept the Iranian proposal leaves the diplomatic deadlock intact as the November midterm elections approach.
What is confirmed
- U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the U.S. meets certain conditions.
- Iran had presented a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations for a lasting end to the war.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran's president has left New York following the United Nations gathering of world leaders and indirect talks with the United States.
What to watch next
- Any official U.S. or Iranian response to the rejection of the Strait of Hormuz reopening plan
- Developments regarding French military asset deployment to Saudi energy sites
- Potential shifts in crude oil prices ahead of the November midterm elections
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.yahoo.com — Trump rejects 7-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz
- www.capitalgazette.com — Trump rejects Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and other Mideast news
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France deploys military assets to protect Saudi energy sites amid regional instability
President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will deploy military assets to protect a Saudi energy site. This move follows Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh and ongoing efforts by Houthi fighters to secure the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. While Iran proposes a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and seeks a deal with the U.S. before November midterm elections, Iranian nuclear acceleration continues to drive up crude oil prices. European governments are responding to these energy shocks with subsidies and tax revisions to shield citizens from record fuel costs.
Why it matters
Saudi Arabia faces increasing threats to its energy infrastructure and capital. Global oil markets remain volatile due to conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine. These tensions risk widespread economic instability and fuel rationing.
What is confirmed
- President Emmanuel Macron announced France will deploy military assets to protect a Saudi energy site.
- Iran is accelerating its nuclear program.
- European governments are using subsidies and taxes to offset record gasoline and diesel prices.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran seeks a deal with the U.S. before the November midterm elections.
What to watch next
- Benjamin Netanyahu's UN speech
- The outcome of Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- U.S. response to the proposed deal before November midterms
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.foxnews.com — Netanyahu bringing 'surprises' to UN speech, after Iran doubles down on nuclear program
- www.cbsnews.com — Iran War Updates: Tehran proposes 7-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz as it seeks deal before U.S. midterms
- www.thenationalherald.com — Europe Uses Subsidies, Taxes and Policy Pauses to Offset Pain of High Fuel Prices
- www.bastillepost.com — Protests against war crimes verdicts add pressure on Kosovo's government
- www.bastillepost.com — Macron says France will deploy military assets to protect Saudi energy site
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Saudi Capital Targeted as Houthi Rebels Advance Along Red Sea
Saudi Arabia confirmed that Houthi rebels targeted Riyadh with a ballistic missile, which the coalition stated was intercepted. Separate reports noted an air attack sparked a fuel depot fire at the Riyadh airport, prompting air raid alerts. Internationally, Houthi fighters are advancing along the Red Sea coast to secure the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. In response to mounting regional tensions, energy expert Saul Kavonic warned that a proposed United States diesel export ban could push prices above four dollars and cause rationing. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a visit.
Why it matters
The attempted ballistic missile strike on Riyadh highlights the widening geographic range of Houthi operations amid the ongoing conflict. International partners are weighing strategic responses as ground advances threaten vital maritime trade routes near the Bab el-Mandeb. At the same time, policy reactions in Western energy markets threaten to ripple globally, connecting regional security incidents directly to domestic fuel supplies.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack Riyadh using a ballistic missile.
- The Saudi-led coalition reported that defenses intercepted the Houthi missile.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington and received a planeside welcome from President Donald Trump.
- Energy expert Saul Kavonic warned that a United States diesel export ban could push diesel prices above $4 and cause rationing.
Still unconfirmed
- An air attack set a fuel depot ablaze at the Riyadh airport where eyewitnesses saw flames and black smoke.
- Saudi civil defence issued air raid alerts for the capital before later sending an all-clear.
What to watch next
- Verification of damage and operational status at the Riyadh airport fuel depot
- Official decisions from the United States regarding the proposed diesel export ban
- Developments concerning Houthi advances along the Red Sea coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (4)
- time.com — How the U.K. Is Supporting Saudi Arabia In Its Fight Against the Houthis
- www.reflector.com — The Latest: China’s Xi to kick off visit to Washington with a rare planeside welcome from Trump
- www.abc.net.au — Diesel could top $4 and rationing possible if US goes ahead with export ban, analyst warns
- www.rutlandherald.com — The Latest: China’s Xi to kick off visit to Washington with a rare planeside welcome from Trump
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Saudi Arabia Reports Houthi Ballistic Missile Attack on Riyadh
Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels attempted to attack the capital, Riyadh, using a ballistic missile. While the Saudi-led coalition reported that defenses intercepted the missile, other reports indicate an air attack set a fuel depot ablaze at the Riyadh airport, where eyewitnesses saw flames and black smoke. Saudi civil defence issued air raid alerts for the capital before later sending an all-clear. In response to escalating attacks, Turkey has signaled military support and readiness to meet Saudi defence needs under a defence pact.
Why it matters
The incident occurs amid an ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi militants. The Houthis have also reportedly seized control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Turkey's offer of military aid marks a strategic shift in regional security alignments.
What is confirmed
- Saudi Arabia confirmed Houthi rebels attempted to attack Riyadh with a ballistic missile.
- The Saudi-led coalition stated that defences intercepted the missile fired at Riyadh.
- Saudi civil defence issued air raid alerts for Riyadh before sending an all-clear.
- Turkey has expressed readiness to meet Saudi military and defence needs under a defence pact.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi militants are forging deeper ties with an African terror group.
What to watch next
- Whether Turkey deploys military assets or hardware to Saudi Arabia.
- A formal response from the Houthis regarding Turkish or Pakistani intervention in Yemen.
- Official damage assessments from the Saudi government regarding the Riyadh airport fuel depot.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
- Reuters — Saudi civil defence sends all-clear after alerts issued for capital Riyadh
- bbc.com — Smoke seen near Riyadh airport after air raid alerts in Saudi capital
- The New York Times — Reported Explosions Put Saudi Capital on Edge Amid Conflict With Houthis
- WSJ — Air Attack Sets Fuel Depot Ablaze at Airport in Saudi Capital
- PBS — Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile
- The Washington Post — Houthis claim attacks on ‘sensitive sites’ in Saudi Arabian capital
- Al Jazeera — Saudi-led coalition says defences intercept Houthi missile fired at Riyadh
- Reuters — Turkey says it could help meet Saudi military needs under defence pact
- Al Jazeera — Turkiye backs Saudi Arabia’s security amid escalating Houthi attacks: FM
- africa.businessinsider.com — World’s 9th strongest military backs Saudi Arabia after Houthi drone attack near Mecca as Yemen militants forge deeper ties with an African terror group
- NPR — Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital
- Bloomberg.com — Turkey Signals Military Support for Saudi Arabia Against Houthis
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