Saudi Arabia experienced a tense early Saturday as its Civil Defense issued aerial-attack alerts for Riyadh and Al-Kharj following reports of explosions and visible smoke and flames near King Khalid International Airport. The initial warnings sparked concern, but authorities later declared an all-clear without immediately explaining the cause of the fires. This development comes amid increased hostile activity from Iran-backed Houthi forces, who have recently intensified attacks on Saudi territory.

The conflict escalation includes a strategic offensive by the Houthis around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil shipping route, where they seized the port of Mokha and adjacent islands. This situation adds to regional instability affecting global supply chains and energy markets. In response, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump gave the green light to a significant $24.3 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, including 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets and related equipment, aiming to boost the kingdom’s defensive capabilities.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing as well, with Pakistan playing a pivotal mediation role in the conflict. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted energy flows and safe passage for vessels, which are vital to both developing countries and global markets. Additional talks involving Qatari and Pakistani mediators continue to seek conditions for ending hostilities, including lifting blockades and releasing frozen Iranian assets, though the U.S. response has not yet been publicized.

The war, now nearly seven months old, has driven Brent crude prices up 72% in 2026 due to supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia has tried rerouting oil exports through the Red Sea via its East-West pipeline; however, a drone attack on September 11 forced its temporary shutdown. Oil prices have since stabilized somewhat as markets assess the situation’s impact. President Trump expressed cautious optimism about a potential conclusion to the conflict, which continues to have significant implications for regional security and global energy markets.