Saudi Missiles Intercepted, Oil Prices Soar on Escalating Middle East Tensions
Saudi Arabia has intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, pushing oil prices up as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
The incident marks a significant escalation of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who have been backed by Iran. The interception of the missiles comes despite Saudi Arabia signing mutual defense agreements with Pakistan and Türkiye, neither of which has been willing to deploy troops to assist the kingdom.
Riyadh is now seeking assistance from European countries, a move that reflects the lack of support it has received from former ally the United States. The Trump administration's failure to come to Saudi Arabia's aid has left a sour taste in the mouth of the kingdom's de facto ruler, who warned 'will not forget this', according to a former senior US defense official.