AGP Executive Report

Saudi Security: Saudi air defences intercepted three Houthi ballistic missiles headed for the Eastern Province, after earlier drone attacks and emergency alerts. Diplomacy: Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials met Iran’s leaders in Tehran and agreed to continue regional security talks, but announced no deal. Israeli media reports that Riyadh offered the Houthis $1 billion for a ceasefire remain unconfirmed. Egypt’s Support: Egypt’s parliament authorized President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take defensive measures to support Saudi Arabia if requested. Yemen’s Crisis: The EU urged immediate steps to halt renewed fighting and preserve a political process. In Taiz, access restrictions and shortages of medicine, fuel and water are worsening health needs; the UN says nearly half of those displaced since August fled the governorate. Economic Fallout: Oil prices eased on hopes for diplomacy but remained near six-month highs amid attacks and shipping risks. Pakistan’s central bank raised its key rate to 12%, citing inflation risks from the regional conflict.

Saudi-Houthi Escalation: Riyadh airport partially reopened after a two-week closure as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones; the Houthis claimed attacks on the airport and oil facilities. The US ordered non-emergency staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia. The Philippines repatriated 117 workers from the kingdom, while a Filipino worker was reported killed in a drone attack at the Shaybah oilfield. Diplomatic Push: Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish officials met Iran’s leaders in Tehran to curb escalation. Egypt’s parliament authorized President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to provide defensive support if Riyadh requests it; Sisi said support would not include attacks on Yemen. Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis: Fuel shortages are pushing hospitals in Taiz to the brink, with one maternity hospital reducing the number of operating incubators from 40 to 10. A damaged supply road threatens further shortages of food, medicine and fuel. Energy and Economy: Pakistan and the US agreed to explore LNG supplies, refinery upgrades and long-term energy deals as Gulf conflict drives up energy costs. Pakistan’s central bank raised its key rate to 12% to contain inflation. Qatar’s energy minister warned that attacks and shipping restrictions are disrupting access to energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Saudi Arabia and the Houthis traded attacks, with the coalition reporting missile interceptions and strikes on launchers in Sanaa. The Houthis claimed attacks on Riyadh airport and Saudi oil facilities; Saudi Arabia has not confirmed those claims. Riyadh’s airport has partly reopened, while Washington ordered non-emergency staff and families to leave the kingdom. Yemen War: Yemen’s army said it carried out 753 operations and “neutralized” 218 Houthi fighters in a day; the figures could not be independently verified. Energy and Trade: Oil prices slipped from recent highs but supply concerns persist. Pakistan reopened its Iran border crossing after a week-long closure that disrupted LPG supplies. Qatar-EU Ties: The EU says it wants closer cooperation with Qatar on security, defence, trade, energy and regional stability.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Saudi Arabia said its forces intercepted a Houthi missile barrage, while debris from two intercepted missiles injured two people and damaged homes and vehicles. Riyadh airport partially reopened after a two-week shutdown, despite renewed Houthi threats; flight activity remained limited. Yemen War: Yemen’s internationally recognized government vowed to continue its campaign until the Houthis are disarmed. Pope Leo XIV urged an end to fighting and called attention to shortages of food, water and medical care in Taiz. Regional Fallout: The 2027 Dakar Rally will move out of Saudi Arabia, with organizers citing recent regional developments. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects a 1.3% contraction across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan this year, with a rebound expected in 2027 but risks from further energy and shipping disruptions. Pakistan Cricket: Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 powered Pakistan to a one-wicket ODI win over England, sealed by a record 89-run last-wicket stand.

Saudi-Houthi Escalation: Saudi air defences intercepted missiles aimed at Riyadh and western regions, with debris reported near Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh. The Houthis denied targeting the holy cities but claimed strikes on Saudi airports and oil facilities; Saudi authorities have not confirmed those claims. Riyadh airport began a partial reopening as the group renewed its warning against using it. Yemen Conflict: Saudi-led strikes hit Houthi-held areas, including Sana’a, while Houthi media reported civilian deaths. The Houthis also claimed attacks in Aden, where explosions were reported. Travel Disruptions: Airlines extended Saudi flight suspensions, stranding Umrah pilgrims and prompting fresh safety advisories. The US urged citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid rising threats. Iran-US Diplomacy: Iran’s ambassador said Tehran remained open to talks under a Pakistan-brokered framework, but an Iranian state-linked outlet denied a reported offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US blockade.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Saudi-led forces said they intercepted two Houthi missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu. The Houthis claimed an attack on a naval base and military camp in Aden, while Houthi media reported civilian deaths in Saudi airstrikes on Yemen. Saudi authorities have not confirmed some Houthi claims of attacks on the kingdom. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks and called for an immediate halt to military operations. Separately, Iran’s ambassador said Tehran remains open to US talks under a Pakistan-brokered deal, but accused Washington of blocking progress over the Strait of Hormuz. Security and Oil: An attack at a Saudi airport killed two people and injured eight, while oil prices climbed above $117 amid fears of supply disruption. Afghanistan: The country recorded 42 polio cases this year, and health officials urged families to vaccinate children.

Saudi-Houthi Escalation: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, as attacks and air defenses keep the Kingdom on alert. Strikes on Saudi airports and energy sites have killed civilians and foreign nationals, while oil prices surged above $117 a barrel. Travel Disruptions: Airlines have extended Saudi flight suspensions, leaving thousands of Umrah pilgrims stranded as governments arrange returns. The US has also ordered some embassy staff and families to leave the Kingdom. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia completed ratification of their joint defence pact, with Türkiye also involved; officials say its implementation remains under discussion. Ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and European countries met in Istanbul to discuss de-escalation. Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis: Fighting and aid restrictions are deepening hardship in Taiz, where the UN warns hospitals face critical shortages and civilians are running out of time.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have hit Dammam’s King Fahd airport and oil facilities, killing civilians, including Indian and Filipino nationals. Saudi forces say they intercepted missiles and drones, while Aramco evacuated its Dhahran headquarters and the US ordered non-emergency personnel to leave the kingdom. Travel Disruption: Flight suspensions have stranded thousands of Indian Umrah pilgrims; governments and airlines are arranging returns, while Filipino workers are also being repatriated. Diplomacy: Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt met European counterparts in Istanbul to discuss Yemen, regional tensions and safe passage through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Qatar reaffirmed its support for mediation. Yemen Crisis: The UN says fighting has caused more than 8,500 casualties since August and displaced over 250,000 people, as aid and hospital shortages deepen. Pakistan Energy: Border closures halted LPG imports from Iran and pushed up prices; new Omani shipments may ease shortages.

Saudi Attacks: Houthis claimed fresh strikes on Saudi airports, the Defence Ministry and Aramco sites. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones; attacks on Dammam airport and the Shaybah oilfield killed four people, including Indian, Filipino and Nepali nationals. Aramco evacuated its Dhahran headquarters, while the US ordered some diplomats and families to leave. Oil prices surged. Yemen Crisis: The UN reports 8,513 casualties since August and more than 250,000 people displaced, and its secretary-general urged restraint and a political path forward. India is also seeking details of a reported incident involving a yacht carrying 14 Indians off Yemen; the claim remains unverified. Regional Response: Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar and Indonesia signed a defence cooperation pact. Their foreign ministers, alongside Saudi, Egyptian and European counterparts, are due to discuss Yemen and regional security in Istanbul. Pilgrim Disruptions: India says about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned from Saudi Arabia in the past week, with efforts continuing to bring others home.

Saudi Escalation: Houthi attacks struck Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, killing at least one person and injuring eight, while debris from an intercepted drone at Aramco’s Shaybah oil field killed two workers. Aramco ordered remaining staff at its Dhahran headquarters to work from home, and Washington ordered some diplomats and families to leave Saudi Arabia. Energy and Shipping: Oil prices climbed above $111 a barrel amid fears of supply disruptions. Iran also reported attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf, adding to concern over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy: Qatar discussed de-escalation and maritime security with the United States and held its fourth strategic dialogue with France, calling for freedom of navigation and a Gaza ceasefire. Regional Outlook: The IMF forecasts a 1.3% economic contraction across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan in 2026, citing conflict-related disruption to energy, transport and trade.

Saudi Escalation: Attacks in the kingdom killed one person and injured eight at Dammam’s King Fahd airport; falling debris after a drone interception at the Shaybah oilfield killed two more. Saudi forces reported intercepting additional drones as fighting with Yemen’s Houthis intensified. Washington ordered non-emergency embassy staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia. Energy and Security: Brent crude climbed above $110 a barrel amid fears of supply disruption, while attacks on Gulf shipping added to concerns over regional trade. Diplomacy: Qatar and France called for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza under agreed arrangements, an end to West Bank settlement expansion and unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They also urged diplomacy over regional tensions. Defence Ties: Qatar, Türkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the Badr pact to expand cooperation in defence production, training and research.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Riyadh’s airport resumed limited domestic flights after a closure triggered by Houthi attacks. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted five drones over Medina and the Eastern Province; the Houthis denied launching them. A missile strike near Aden airport temporarily halted operations. Defence Response: The UK is sending Typhoon jets for defensive missions, while Gulf states met in Riyadh to strengthen military coordination. Turkey has asked parliament to ratify its mutual-defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Separately, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia signed a defence-industry agreement focused on joint production and training. Yemen Crisis: A Houthi missile strike killed 75 recruits and wounded about 200 in Shabwa. The UN says more than 250,000 people have been displaced since August; fighting and blocked routes are worsening shortages in Taiz. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar and France discussed Gaza, Iran and Strait of Hormuz tensions at a strategic dialogue in Doha. During Oman’s UK state visit, King Charles praised Muscat’s mediation efforts. Pakistan-Maldives Ties: The two countries signed 20 cooperation agreements, including plans for direct flights, and set a goal of raising annual trade from $13 million to $200 million within two years.

Saudi-Yemen Escalation: Britain will send RAF Typhoon jets, a transport aircraft and advisers to help defend Saudi cities and infrastructure from Houthi attacks; London says the missions will be defensive. Nearly 100 Filipino workers have been repatriated from Riyadh as flight disruptions continue. Fighting has displaced more than 250,000 people in Yemen, while Taiz faces worsening aid access. Gaza and Diplomacy: Six Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli strikes as Qatar said Israeli leaders showed little commitment to peace. Doha says US-Iran contacts continue, while Pakistan is also pursuing mediation. Bangladesh-Saudi Tensions: Dhaka says Riyadh has yet to answer its questions about executing two Bangladeshi nationals without prior notice; Bangladesh’s law minister called the executions tragic. Oman-UK Relations: King Charles praised Sultan Haitham’s peace efforts during his state visit, as the two countries prepare investment and maritime-security agreements.

Yemen Crisis: Houthi attacks killed 73 people at a government camp in Shabwa, while a strike on Taiz killed two teenage girls. The UN says the city’s siege puts civilians at grave risk and is demanding immediate aid access. Saudi Security: Britain will send Typhoon jets for defensive air patrols over Saudi Arabia, alongside refuelling support and other assistance; London says its aircraft will not strike Houthi targets on the ground. Regional Alliances: Türkiye has submitted the Pakistan-Saudi mutual defence pact to parliament for ratification as Houthi attacks intensify. Pakistan’s army chief, meanwhile, met Iran’s president in Tehran to discuss mediation and regional developments. Energy and Shipping: Brent crude topped $110 a barrel amid attacks on ships and Saudi energy sites. Riyadh postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative conference until 2027, and a tanker reported an encounter with military forces off Oman.

Yemen Conflict: A Houthi missile strike on a government security training camp in Shabwa killed 58 people and wounded more than 200, according to the province’s governor. The attack comes as fighting intensifies near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi Security: The Houthis claimed fresh attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities and military sites, but Riyadh has not confirmed those claims. Saudi Arabia postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative conference, scheduled for next week, until 2027 amid the security concerns. Regional Response: Pakistan and Egypt condemned the Houthi attacks and voiced support for Saudi Arabia; UAE and Turkish foreign ministers also expressed solidarity and called for coordination to reduce tensions. Pakistan said Saudi security was “non-negotiable” and pledged support. Gulf Tensions: Qatar says it will soon announce a regional defence partnership and warned that disruptions to energy supplies could worsen in the months ahead.

Yemen Conflict: A Houthi missile strike on a government training camp in Shabwa killed at least 53 people and wounded more than 200, according to local authorities. Fighting and Saudi-led strikes have intensified, while a separate projectile injured six people in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region. Saudi Arabia: Riyadh postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative conference until 2027 amid attacks and travel disruption. Thirty-four Filipino workers returned home, seven of whom were injured in attacks; three are in critical condition. Regional Response: Egypt’s defense council pledged support for Saudi Arabia, but parliament delayed a vote on authorizing military deployment. Saudi and Pakistani officials also discussed defense cooperation. Qatar: Doha says it will soon announce a domestic defense-production hub and called for regional dialogue involving Gulf states, Iran, Türkiye and Pakistan.