Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile as Trump threatens new strikes

Investing.com -- Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on Saturday as renewed U.S. threats against Iran and escalating regional attacks intensified fears of a broader Middle East conflict.

The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed the missile following emergency warnings in Riyadh, Najran and Wadi al-Dawasir. Authorities subsequently declared the danger over.

The coalition also reported intercepting a drone over Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, while Houthi-affiliated media reported fresh air strikes in Yemen’s Saada governorate.

The developments followed President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington could launch another military campaign against Iran, invoking Operation Epic Fury, which began in February.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye Tom Barrack separately suggested strikes could occur as early as this weekend, although Trump later said he knew nothing about such plans.

Energy markets have reacted sharply to the escalating threats. Brent crude reached $117.30 a barrel on Friday, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to $103, amid concerns over supply disruptions.

October has also become the deadliest month for commercial shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz by number of confirmed attacks, with at least 28 vessel strikes recorded, according to Washington Institute data reported by Reuters.

The institute counted 113 attacks since February, while the International Maritime Organization recorded 120 incidents.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Washington could maintain its naval blockade of Iran for the foreseeable future.

Diplomatic efforts continue despite the military threats. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said the agency was technically prepared to resume nuclear verification in Iran, emphasising the need for a negotiated agreement.

Iran’s deputy UN envoy maintained that Tehran had not abandoned its nuclear safeguards obligations, citing security concerns over inspectors returning.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week during a gas exporters’ summit.

Separately, Israel imposed sweeping restrictions across the occupied West Bank following a shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened an extensive military operation, while Israeli forces conducted raids and demolitions.