Donald Trump drops demands to own Greenland, but the harm has been done

On Saturday, President Donald Trump unexpectedly returned to the White House from Camp David as Middle East tensions increased. The administration did not provide an explanation for the change in return plans. Saudi Arabia's coalition fighting Yemen's Houthis reported that Iran-backed rebels fired a ballistic missile at Riyadh at dawn after a fire broke out near the city's international airport.

The US State Department and numerous embassies issued security alerts, citing the potential for unanticipated escalation and noting that Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia. Tensions continued to rise, with Saudi Arabia claiming Houthis attempted to attack Riyadh, Yanbu, Taif, and Farasan. The Houthis falsely claimed targeting Riyadh's sensitive sites and Aramco facilities in Yanbu, causing massive fires.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohsen Rezaei, demanded the US respond to Iran's conditions for ending the war, which include ending the conflict, releasing seized assets, and lifting the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The US State Department renewed a travel alert for Americans in or traveling to the Middle East, warning of potential travel disruptions.

US Central Command's head reported that 1 billion barrels of oil had transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months, with no Iranian exports since the US blockade. Iran executed a man accused of spying for Israel, and Pakistani and Iranian foreign ministers discussed shipping safety. Turkey suggested providing military support to Saudi Arabia under a defense pact. Recent Israeli strikes killed three men in Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp.