US orders embassy staff, families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks

An airport attack in Saudi Arabia resulted in one death and eight injuries, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The location was King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Assessments of material damage are underway. Iran's parliament speaker's adviser pointed to growing tensions between Iran and Israel, suggesting the two nations are nearing a "zero hour" for military confrontation.

Israel reportedly sent dozens of fighter jets to the border with Iran, as reported by US and Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Yemen's government forces claimed to have conducted 835 strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in a 24-hour period, resulting in around 285 deaths or injuries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are boosting oil exports through alternative routes, despite Iran's attempts to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The International Energy Agency noted that the increased export volume has led to higher freight rates, war-risk insurance premiums and other costs. The US Treasury sanctioned a Greek-Panamanian law firm and shipping agents that allegedly support Iran's shadow fleet. Qatar and France denounced Iran's military attacks, urging unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Saudi energy ministry reported that two individuals were killed and two others injured due to debris from the interception of a drone targeting an oil facility. The victims were a Filipino and a Nepali. The US ordered all US embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as tensions rise.