By Salma El-Sakka
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed a new ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday morning. The attempt occurred just hours after flight operations had resumed at the airport following previous deadly strikes.
Saudi Arabia intercepts missile and launches airstrikes
Saudi military spokesperson Colonel Turki Al-Maliki confirmed that Saudi forces successfully intercepted the Houthi ballistic missile headed for the capital. In response, Saudi forces conducted a series of airstrikes within Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, specifically targeting missile launch sites and storage facilities.
The Saudi Arabia General Directorate of Civil Defense issued an initial safety advisory for Riyadh due to potential danger, though it later announced that the threat had passed.
U.S. intelligence warns of increased Iranian threats
In a separate intelligence development, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating that Iran has significantly increased efforts to target American officials abroad. The memo states that lethal plotting against U.S. citizens has reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other regions.
U.S. officials noted that these threats, including potential Houthi attacks, are influencing security decisions and staffing adjustments for embassies operating under restricted status in the region.
U.S. and Israel plan potential renewed strikes on Iran
Reports indicate that the U.S. military and the Israel Defense Forces have developed plans to resume joint strikes against Iran. These operations are expected to take place following the U.S. midterm elections to avoid destabilizing oil markets during the campaign period.
The proposed strikes aim to target Iranian petrochemical facilities and nuclear sites, such as those at Pickaxe Mountain, to erode the country's economy. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports renewed action, the final decision rests with President Donald Trump. The White House has stated that the United States will not launch attacks against Iran prior to the midterm elections.
