Saudi Arabia is preparing for a series of coordinated attacks on ports and airports across the Kingdom, a senior Saudi official revealed to CNN. According to the report, Iraqi militias, operating in cooperation with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, are planning these strikes. The official noted that the information is based on “a large number of intelligence reports” pointing to a plan to attack the country “in the very near future” under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Saudi official expressed deep concern over the reports, particularly against the backdrop of Saudi efforts to promote regional de-escalation, and at a time when negotiations appeared to be moving in a positive direction. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia “will take all necessary measures to confront any aggression.” These reports come ahead of a joint conference of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in Mecca today (Friday), where a joint defense pact is expected to be announced.
Reports of the expected attacks come a day after the Houthis claimed to have targeted a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, another strategic maritime route. In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has faced Houthi missile attacks from Yemen, as well as drone strikes by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. These developments highlight the ongoing escalation in the region.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump addressed reports yesterday regarding depleted Pentagon ammunition stocks, claiming the US has “vast amounts” of ammunition. He acknowledged that supplies of certain weapons are “tighter” after months of combat operations involving Iran, but insisted overall stockpiles remain sufficient. Trump also dismissed reports suggesting he was angry at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over ammunition shortages.
In parallel, Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s deputy foreign minister. However, he cautioned that the agreement would not automatically reopen the passage, noting that Iran requires guarantees from the US. Tehran denied any direct negotiations with the US on the matter, stressing that discussions with Oman remain strictly bilateral.