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Saudi Arabia

News and updates about Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has no incentive to close this Deal

A successfully concluded, permanent deal ends the lucrative Saudi bailouts, American military contracts, high profile presidential phone calls - and Pakistan was never bombed so it feels no urgency. Opinion.

Pakistan has no incentive to close this Deal

Death penalty law

Widespread condemnation by Muslim countries

8 Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, issue condemnation of Israel's law on the death penalty for terrorists. Afghanistan’s Taliban government also criticized the legislation.

Widespread condemnation by Muslim countries

“E-3 aircraft torn in two"

Footage circulates of destruction at US Base

Images showing the destruction from an Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base have been circulating on social media.

Footage circulates of destruction at US Base

Under cover of the war:

Turkey and Syria advance a trade route bypassing Israel

While the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, Ankara and Damascus try to exploit the fighting in Iran to divert the India-Europe trade corridor through their territory.

Turkey and Syria advance a trade route bypassing Israel

Report:

Saudi Crown Prince pressing Trump to escalate war against Iran

Report says Saudi Crown Prince urged President Trump to continue military campaign against Iran, warning that ending the war prematurely could leave a lasting regional threat.

Saudi Crown Prince pressing Trump to escalate war against Iran

After missile, drone attacks

Saudi Arabia expels Iranian diplomats

Saudi Arabia orders Iranian diplomats to leave within 24 hours, citing continued missile and drone attacks.

Saudi Arabia expels Iranian diplomats

Saudi FM warns Iran:

'We reserve the right to military action'

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud condemns Iran’s attacks on neighboring countries, stating Saudi Arabia reserves the right to respond militarily and demands Iran halt support for proxies.

'We reserve the right to military action'

Gulf leaders urge US: Finish the job against Iran

Gulf states warn Washington against ending the campaign prematurely, fearing Iran could retain the ability to threaten oil routes and regional stability.

Gulf leaders urge US: Finish the job against Iran

The Wahhabi Curse:

Ibn Saud’s Pact runs Saudi Arabia, holding back the Muslim World

MBS cannot break the fundamental pact without risking his throne. because the religious establishment and the brainwashed “Arab street" are too powerful to ignore. Opinion..

Ibn Saud’s Pact runs Saudi Arabia, holding back the Muslim World

After attacks in Riyadh

US orders diplomatic staff to leave Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has ordered American diplomatic staff to leave Saudi Arabia after drone attacks near the US Embassy in Riyadh.

US orders diplomatic staff to leave Saudi Arabia

Report:

Saudi Arabia quietly engaging Iran to de-escalate conflict

Saudi Arabia intensifying diplomatic backchannel contacts with Iran in an effort to contain the regional conflict, according to European officials cited by Bloomberg.

Saudi Arabia quietly engaging Iran to de-escalate conflict

No injuries reported

Drones hit US Embassy in Riyadh

US Embassy in Riyadh hit by two Iranian drones, causing a fire in the area. The Embassy was empty at the time of the attack.

Drones hit US Embassy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia denies lobbying Trump to strike Iran

Saudi Arabia denies a Washington Post report claiming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman lobbied President Trump to strike Iran, insisting Riyadh consistently supported diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia denies lobbying Trump to strike Iran

Report:

Saudi, Israeli leaders urged Trump to strike Iran

President Trump launched Saturday’s strike on Iran after weeks of lobbying by Israeli and Saudi leaders, according to The Washington Post.

Saudi, Israeli leaders urged Trump to strike Iran

Dozens of Israelis stuck in Saudi territory

Around 100,000 Israelis are stranded abroad, including dozens who whose flights rerouted to Saudi Arabia and who do not have permission to disembark.

Dozens of Israelis stuck in Saudi territory

ZIM to be sold to Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI in $3.7 billion deal

Israel will retain its golden share in Zim under the agreement to sell the shipping company to a German buyer, whose shares are partially held by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

ZIM to be sold to Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI in $3.7 billion deal

International outcry over Israel's new Judea and Samaria measures

Britain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the EU condemn Israel’s decision to expand control over Judea and Samaria, calling it a violation of international law.

International outcry over Israel's new Judea and Samaria measures

The Mavi Vatan Doctrine:

Beware the Saudi-Turkish naval axis

How the Saudi-Turkish naval axis is dismantling the Abraham Accords architecture as the synergy between Saudi financial weight and Turkish expeditionary power creates a multi-theater security challenge. Analysis.

Beware the Saudi-Turkish naval axis

Saudi Arabia warns:

If Trump backtracks, it will strengthen the Iranian regime

If US President Donald Trump doesn't follow through on promises to strike Iran, IRGC will be 'emboldened,' Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman warns.

If Trump backtracks, it will strengthen the Iranian regime

Sen. Lindsey Graham

'I appreciate what Saudi Arabia is trying to do in Syria'

Senator Graham says that while he disagrees with things the Saudi government says, he remains impressed with its desire for economic prosperity after meeting government officials.

'I appreciate what Saudi Arabia is trying to do in Syria'

Bin Salman to Iran:

'No Saudi territory will be used for military strikes'

Saudi Arabia tells Iran it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for attacks, as US forces build up in the region and concerns grow over possible military action.

'No Saudi territory will be used for military strikes'

Eight Muslim nations join Trump’s Peace Board for Gaza

Eight Muslim‑majority nations join the US‑backed Peace Council for Gaza, supporting Trump’s initiative to secure a ceasefire, rebuild Gaza, and advance a political framework.

Eight Muslim nations join Trump’s Peace Board for Gaza

At Israel’s expense

Mohammed bin Salman’s new “moderate axis"

Against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, Saudi Arabia is accusing the United Arab Emirates of cooperating with Israel and is seeking to draw closer to Turkey.

Mohammed bin Salman’s new “moderate axis"

Saudi Arabia sets new execution record with 356 deaths in 2025

Saudi Arabia executed 356 people in 2025, a new record driven by its “war on drugs.” Rights groups warn the surge contradicts the kingdom’s reform narrative and disproportionately affects foreigners.

Saudi Arabia sets new execution record with 356 deaths in 2025

Saudi Arabia: 'Chief rabbi' denied entry at border

Rabbi Jacob Herzog, self-appointed chief rabbi of Saudi Arabia, says he was denied entry at border.

Saudi Arabia: 'Chief rabbi' denied entry at border

Saudi Arabia breaks execution record

A report by the organization Reprieve reveals that Saudi Arabia executed 347 people in 2024-a record number for a single year. Two-thirds of the sentences were for drug-related offenses, and many of those executed were foreign nationals.

Saudi Arabia breaks execution record

Saudi Arabia transfers $90 million to the Palestinian Authority

Saudi Arabia is working on the international stage to encourage donor countries to assist the Palestinian Authority, in order to prevent its economic collapse.

Saudi Arabia transfers $90 million to the Palestinian Authority

US approves sale of helicopter parts, training to Saudi Arabia

The US approves a potential $1B sale to Saudi Arabia for helicopter support, spares, and training services, covering the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps’ fleet.

US approves sale of helicopter parts, training to Saudi Arabia

Former US Amb. to Saudi Arabia:

'No normalization in near future'

'Normalization talks were close to succeeding before the October 7 attack cut the process short,' says former US ambassador to Riyadh, Michael A. Ratney.

'No normalization in near future'

Report:

Trump-MBS meeting turned tense over Israel normalization

Axios reports that Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince turned tense over Saudi-Israel normalization, leaving Trump disappointed.

Trump-MBS meeting turned tense over Israel normalization

Trump’s Saudi and Qatari gambles:

High-stakes bets with uncertain consequences

Why is President Donald Trump signaling willingness to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and may be to Qatar too? The answer may lie in a broader strategic attempt to redefine the Middle East map. Opinion

High-stakes bets with uncertain consequences

Observation:

Saudi timeline to Pal. State could undermine what we already have

There is no reason to agree to a timeline with the Saudis. Opinion.

Saudi timeline to Pal. State could undermine what we already have

Dr. Avi Perry:

The downgraded F-35 going to the Saudis is still a threat

Israel is right to be wary of the Saudi F-35 deal for many reasons - read them below. Opinion.

The downgraded F-35 going to the Saudis is still a  threat

Netanyahu:

'No Palestinian state, even if it costs Saudi normalization'

In interview with Abu Ali Express Telegram channel, PM Netanyahu says no Palestinian state will be established, even at the cost of Saudi ties. He vows to reopen Rafah after hostage remains are returned.

'No Palestinian state, even if it costs Saudi normalization'

Israel:

'US F-35 sale to Saudis won’t undermine our military edge'

Israel says its military edge will remain intact despite US plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia.

'US F-35 sale to Saudis won’t undermine our military edge'

Minister Gamliel to Arutz Sheva:

'The Saudis may pressure, but no Palestinian state'

Minister Gila Gamliel in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News: Expanding the Abraham Accords is welcome. We must leverage President Trump’s strengthened ties with the Arab world to combat antisemitism in the US.

'The Saudis may pressure, but no Palestinian state'

Trump:

Saudi Crown Prince may join ‘greatest board ever’ to oversee Gaza

Trump expresses hope Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will join the UN-backed Board of Peace overseeing Gaza’s redevelopment, following a White House meeting and strategic US-Saudi agreements.

Saudi Crown Prince may join ‘greatest board ever’ to oversee Gaza

Senior Analyst:

Bin Salman does not want a Palestinian state

Senior Arab affairs commentator Zvi Yehezkeli explained why, in his view, US President Donald Trump's announcement of intent to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia is troubling - but not highly worrying.

Bin Salman does not want a Palestinian state

The $100 Billion Gambit:

How the Saudi F35 Deal rewrites global security rules

Washington is offering Riyadh more than hardware; it is dangling access to the very technology that has kept Israel’s skies unchallenged for decades. It has to come with strings attached. Opinion.

How the Saudi F35 Deal rewrites global security rules

Trump:

'Gaza is close to perfected, residents are safer than ever'

During dinner with the Saudi Crown Prince, Trump says the Gaza Board of Peace will include leaders of major nations and invites MBS to join.

'Gaza is close to perfected, residents are safer than ever'

Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally

President Trump announces Saudi Arabia’s designation as a major non-NATO ally during a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally

White House:

US-Saudi pact includes F-35s, tanks, and $1 trillion investment

After Trump-MBS meeting, the White House announces that the US and Saudi Arabia sealed nearly $1 trillion in deals, including F-35 sales, nuclear energy, AI, and critical minerals.

US-Saudi pact includes F-35s, tanks, and $1 trillion investment

Trump:

F-35s sold to Saudi Arabia will be 'similar level' to Israel's

During meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US President Donald Trump says Israel and Saudi Arabia 'are at a level where they should get top of the line.'

F-35s sold to Saudi Arabia will be 'similar level' to Israel's

IDF to political echelon:

F-35 sale to Saudis endangers Israeli security

The military is warning that if the Saudis acquire the US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets, Israel would lose air superiority in the region.

F-35 sale to Saudis endangers Israeli security

Report:

Musk invited to Trump dinner with Saudi Crown Prince

Elon Musk is expected to attend President Trump’s dinner with Saudi Crown Prince MBS, despite recent clashes between the two.

Musk invited to Trump dinner with Saudi Crown Prince

Trump: US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia

US President says America will sell advanced stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, despite Israel's objections, says that the Saudis "have been a great ally."

Trump: US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia

Poll:

70% of Israelis reject Palestinian state on 1967 lines

New JCFA survey shows Israeli opposition to a Palestinian state at its highest since the war, with strong skepticism toward Saudi normalization and mixed views on post-war security in Gaza.

70% of Israelis reject Palestinian state on 1967 lines

US organization voices opposition to F-35 sale to Saudis

Americans for a Safe Israel is calling on Congress to act to prevent future sales of advanced weapon systems to Middle Eastern authoritarian regimes.

US organization voices opposition to F-35 sale to Saudis

Saudis have not given up on a Palestinian state

Source in the Saudi royal family tells Israeli media that they would not normalize ties with Israel without a 'two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.'

Saudis have not given up on a Palestinian state

Message to US

Israel opposes sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia

Minister Ron Dermer conveyed Israel’s opposition in Washington, emphasizing concerns about losing Israel’s aerial superiority and the potential transfer of sensitive security information to Russia and China.

Israel opposes sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia

Trump plan with Saudi Arabia threatens Israeli air superiority

The planned deal would allow Saudi Arabia to buy the F-35, which has clear implications for Israeli air superiority in the region.

Trump plan with Saudi Arabia threatens Israeli air superiority

Report:

Trump to approve F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia during MBS visit

Bloomberg reports that Trump is expected to approve a deal allowing Saudi Arabia to buy F-35 jets during MBS’s visit.

Trump to approve F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia during MBS visit

Report:

Trump pushing Saudis on Israel normalization after Gaza ceasefire

Axios reports Trump told MBS the Gaza war is over and he now expects Saudi Arabia to move toward peace with Israel. US officials hope for progress ahead of next week’s White House meeting.

Trump pushing Saudis on Israel normalization after Gaza ceasefire

Saudi Arabia’s Political Ransom:

The cost of MBS conditionalism- why America must reject the stall

MBS saying he will only normalize relations with Israel if it provides the dates for establishing a Palestinian Arab state is holding peace for ransom. Washington must reject the Saudi political extortion. Opinion.

The cost of MBS conditionalism- why America must reject the stall

Rubio:

US to sign 'good deals' with Saudi Crown Prince

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US expects “good deals” with Saudi Arabia during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington next week.

US to sign 'good deals' with Saudi Crown Prince

Senator Graham:

Disarmament of Hamas key to Gaza rebuilding

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Senator Lindsey Graham says Gaza's rebuilding, regional normalization, and lasting peace hinge on Hamas disarmament.

Disarmament of Hamas key to Gaza rebuilding

Houthis claim CIA-Mossad spy network arrested in Yemen

Houthis claim they arrested a CIA-Mossad spy ring operating under Saudi command in Yemen. The group alleges Israeli officers helped run the network, though no independent evidence has confirmed the claims.

Houthis claim CIA-Mossad spy network arrested in Yemen

Report: Saudi Arabia to renew dialogue with Israel

Source in Saudi royal family says Crown Prince's upcoming visit to US may pave the way for renewing dialogue with Israel.

Report: Saudi Arabia to renew dialogue with Israel

With Saudi Amb. in attendance

Trump: Hopefully Saudi Arabia will join Abraham Accords very soon

President Trump hinted that Saudi Arabia could soon join the Abraham Accords, praising progress in normalization talks and highlighting a key meeting with Saudi officials.

Trump: Hopefully Saudi Arabia will join Abraham Accords very soon

Report: US mulls Saudi request for 48 F-35s

The US is weighing a Saudi request to buy 48 F-35 jets, according to Reuters, a move that could shift the regional balance and test Israel’s military edge.

Report: US mulls Saudi request for 48 F-35s