Saudi Arabia

Taliban frees three Pakistani soldiers in Saudi-mediated move

Their release comes after October clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces, during which dozens were killed before a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon.

This photograph taken on December 29, 2025 shows Taliban security personnel standing guard near the zero-point border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.
 A boat approaches the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while crusing in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025.

Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Syria projects unity at Munich Security Conference, but the real test awaits back home - analysis

Sen. Lindsey Graham, Member of the US Senate, speaks to the people during the demonstration for human rights in Iran at Theresienwiese during the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

'I'm tired of this c***': Lindsey Graham attacks Gulf leaders, compares Iran's Khamenei to Hitler


Yemen PM Salem bin Breik resigns, Zindani appointed successor

Saba said bin Breik formally submitted the resignation, which was approved by the council, before Zindani was named to form the next cabinet.

Yemen's presidential leadership council has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the country's new prime minister.

Saudi Arabia pledges $500m over Yemen development projects in areas long-held by UAE, separatists

Riyadh declared the move a threat to its national security, called on the UAE to withdraw, and backed an offensive that swept the STC from power.

A billboard displays the photo of Aidarous al-Zabidi, the head of Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council in Aden, Yemen December 9, 2025.

Where are the American bases in the Middle East Iran threatened it might strike? - explainer

Trump warned Iran that if it retaliated against the US, the US would respond at levels “never seen before.”

Qatar Emiri Air Force personnel load aid onto a military cargo plane headed to Syria, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, December 30, 2024.

Saudi Arabia to US: Iran strikes should be targeted, rather than seeking regime change - N12

A Saudi royal source told N12 that Trump should pursue limited military strikes against Islamic Regime leaders and officials to alleviate protest repression.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber returns from Operation Midnight Hammer, the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, US, June 2025.

US military signaled imminent Iran intervention, European officials say

The US has ramped up diplomatic moves, including sanctions on Iranian officials.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

Alshareef: Israel, Jews, should help Iranians seek liberty to ‘repay debt to Cyrus’

Speaking at the Jerusalem Post Miami Summit on Wednesday, Alshareef called on Israel and the Jewish people to back Iranians seeking freedom, as Netanyahu voiced solidarity with the protesters.

Social media influencer Loay Alshareef at The Jerusalem Post conference in Miami, Florida

Gulf states warn Trump against sending 'help' to Iranian protesters as tensions continue - WSJ

Per the WSJ, Iran's rival Gulf states have largely avoided addressing the protests that have spread across Iran since late December, leaving thousands dead.

A demonstrator lights a cigarette with fire from a burning picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outside the Iranian embassy during a rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, in London, Britain, January 12, 2026.

Wars within wars: Yemen’s battlefield reveals deeper power struggle between Saudi Arabia, UAE

BEHIND THE LINES: In Yemen, Saudi forces reclaim key territories from UAE-backed STC, showcasing the growing rift between Gulf powers over regional influence and governance.

YEMEN’S SOUTHERN Transitional Council will also certainly not abandon its ambition to reestablish south Yemeni independence. Police troopers patrol a street after, according to the Saudi-backed coalition, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the STC, fled to an unknown destination in Aden, Yemen,

UAE-backed Yemeni Southern Transitional Council denies disbandment rumors

The Southern Transitional Council denied that it was disbanding on Saturday, contradicting a statement by one of its members that the group had decided to dissolve itself.

A soldier stands guard outside the headquarters of the Southern Transitional Council in Aden, Yemen January 8, 2026.

Saudi Arabia draws red line in Yemen, reasserting Middle East role - analysis

Is it possible that Riyadh’s decision to move quickly to stop the STC in late December was linked to larger strategy issues in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden?

A flag of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) flutters on a military patrol truck, at the site of a rally by STC supporters in Aden, Yemen, January 1, 2026.