Top Shot – This handout photo released by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (left) greeting his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon arrival in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. (Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran/AFP, via Getty Images)/XGTY/Editorial use restrictions – Required credit “AFP Photo/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran” – Handouts – No marketing, no advertising campaigns – Distributed as a service to clients
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Saudi Arabia issued an alert to its citizens early Saturday amid reports of an explosion in the capital Riyadh, as Pakistan’s foreign minister stressed to Iran’s foreign minister the need for uninterrupted energy supplies as the war in the Middle East continues.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense issued an early warning alert, and Reuters reported the sound of two booms in Riyadh, which the agency later cleared. It later reported that large smoke and flames were seen near King Khalid International Airport, the city’s main airport.
The cause of the smoke and flames is unknown, and Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, launching a blitzkrieg ground offensive around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important oil chokepoint, and capturing Moka Island and nearby islands.
US President Donald Trump’s administration last week approved the potential sale of about 50 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion, in what is seen as a major boost for Saudi Arabia.
The package announced Thursday includes the sale of 48 of Lockheed Martin’s advanced F-35 jets, as well as 49 Pratt & Whitney engines and other parts.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragushi on Saturday, as regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran stall.
“The DPM/FM emphasized the importance of uninterrupted energy supply and safe and speedy navigation of ships, with particular regard to the impact on developing countries and global supply chains,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.
The two diplomats agreed to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, the ministry said.
Reuters reported that a State Department spokesperson said on September 11 that a “core delegation of the Iranian regime” would be allowed to attend the meeting, in line with the US’ obligations as host of the world body.
“Hopefully” the end of the war is nearing
President Trump said Wednesday that he is “hopefully” nearing an end to the nearly seven-month war with Iran.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, has risen 72% since early 2026 as the war disrupted energy supplies flowing through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.
Saudi Arabia is trying to divert oil exports from the strait by pumping oil into the Red Sea through an East-West pipeline. However, on September 11, the East-West Pipeline was damaged by a drone attack that Saudi Arabia said originated from Iraq, forcing its closure.
Crude oil prices fell for the third straight session on Friday, ending the week almost flat as markets expect the closure of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to not have as big of an impact on supply as initially feared.
US West Texas Intermediate futures fell 1.6% to close at $100.30 per barrel. Brent crude oil traded 0.9% lower at $103.87.
