Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential agreement with Iran early this week, even as explosions rocked Riyadh following fresh Houthi missile and drone strikes against Saudi infrastructure.
The contrasting diplomatic and security realities set a tense backdrop for ongoing negotiations in the Gulf.
Speaking after a meeting with Qatar’s prime minister, Trump shared on Truth Social that he sees positive momentum toward ending the conflict with Iran. 24 Heures reported that the US president deemed a resumption of hostilities “very improbable” if solid negotiating progress continues, noting that regional powers prefer to maintain the current status quo.
The Saudi-led military coalition confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile targeting the capital. Earlier in the night, the coalition announced the destruction of a ballistic missile heading toward the south of the country.
The escalation follows a wave of cross-border operations claimed by Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthi movement over the weekend. Witnesses and local media confirmed that a skyscraper belonging to state oil giant Aramco sustained damage during the barrage, though Saudi authorities described the incident as a minor breach and reported no casualties. The coalition reported that the Aramco tower was targeted in what state media termed a “attempted” attack, with witnesses noting shattered windows and damage to part of the facade on several floors, though the origin of the damage remained uncertain between falling debris from an interception or a direct impact.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have targeted tankers on the Red Sea, refineries, Aramco storage areas, and its headquarters. Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading exporter of crude oil, is repeatedly targeted by pro-Iranian Houthi attacks.
The war in Yemen broke out in 2014 with the capture of the capital Sanaa by the Houthis, triggering a military intervention in 2015 by the coalition led by Riyadh. A truce was concluded in 2022, but fighting resumed this summer, opening a new front in the Middle East war.
The persistent aerial attacks have prompted immediate precautionary measures within the Saudi capital. Parents confirmed that schools in Riyadh are transitioning back to online remote learning starting Tuesday, mirroring safety protocols previously enacted in October. The measure was implemented after schools had returned to in-person learning for two days following remote classes imposed on October 11, though the message sent to parents did not specify how long the precaution would last.
Energy infrastructure has also felt the direct impact of the renewed hostilities. The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that an oil pipeline running from east to west, designed to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz, was targeted in the Medina region, causing a limited fire that emergency teams managed to extinguish without injuries or deaths, and without affecting operations.
Coalition officials distributed footage showing the destruction of two ballistic missile launchers in the northern Saada province, which they claimed were used in Sunday’s attacks. Houthi-affiliated media claimed that coalition air raids on Friday and Saturday resulted in dozens of civilian casualties near Sanaa.
| Target / Region | Reported Incident | Operational Status |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Financial Center | Missile and drone strikes | Aramco tower damaged; debris cleared |
| Medina Region | East-West pipeline targeted | Fire extinguished; operations uninterrupted |
| Riyadh Capital Schools | Precautionary safety measures | Shifted to remote learning |
While Washington points to diplomatic channels and Qatari mediation to secure a lasting framework with Tehran, regional air defense systems remain on high alert.
Diplomatic efforts led by mediators in Doha continue to test whether political engagement can outpace the momentum of military escalation on the ground.
Earlier coverage: Houthi Drones and Missiles Strike Saudi Aramco Offices in Riyadh
