Riyadh

IRGC issues evacuation warning for civilians close to US forces in Gulf States

The IRGC warns civilians to avoid US forces in the Gulf, as tensions rise with threats toward the UAE and Bahrain. Iran also launched drones and missiles at Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attend an exercise in southern Iran, in this handout image obtained on February 16, 2026; illustrative.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in July 2025. A 2023 deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran was marketed as a diplomatic masterstroke, but in light of recent events is collapsing.

Saudi Arabia expelling Iran's military attaché brings Riyadh-Tehran normalization into question

Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, Amir Hatami speaks during a meeting with military academy students, in Tehran, Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 7, 2026.

Iran threatens US, Israeli infrastructure over energy strikes

A gas flare burns at the Lanaz refinery after it was targeted by a drone strike, in Erbil, Iraq, March 14, 2026.

Drone strike hits Erbil refinery halting operations, Riyadh intercepts Iranian missiles, drones


Saudi Arabia prepares to open first alcohol store for diplomats

The business will open as part of wider plans known as Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.

 Saudi men walk out after buying some books at the Riyadh International Book Fair in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 2, 2021.

Israeli minister's historic speech in Saudi Arabia spurs diplomatic milestone

Speaking in English from his seat, Shlomo Karhi wore a blue suit and a crocheted skullcap on his head and spoke into a handheld microphone. 

 Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi presents his reform in the communication market to journalists, in Jerusalem, July 17, 2023.

Peace with Saudi Arabia is now closer, Israeli minister says from Riyadh

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday.

 Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi with Knesset Economy Committee chairman MK David Biton in Saudi Arabia. October 2, 2023

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel after Jews 'storm' Temple Mount

Jews made the pilgrimage to the Temple Mount as part of Rosh Hashanah celebrations on Sunday evening accompanied by heavy security detail. 

 Israeli security forces guard while Jews and tourist visit the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, August 28, 2023

Israeli gamers to compete in Saudi Arabia under Israeli flag

The Saudi government wrote a letter saying all participants would be allowed in, without mentioning Israelis.

 Esports players

What will it take for Israel, Saudi Arabia to normalize ties? - analysis

Focusing on the daily steps towards or away from the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia may be doing more harm than good. A longer-term perspective is needed.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah, earlier this month.

Tensions in US-Saudi ties cloud Blinken visit to Riyadh

Blinken was the second top US official to visit Washington's closest strategic ally in the Middle East in less than a month, following a May 7 trip by White House national security adviser Sullivan.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 7, 2023.

Blinken meets E3 Foreign Ministers: “concern about Iran’s nuclear escalation”

The US and the GCC called on Iran “to immediately reverse course, cease its nuclear provocations and engage in meaningful diplomacy."

 GULF COOPERATION Council foreign ministers meet in Riyadh, last year. President Joe Biden is to attend a GCC meeting, augmented by the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.

Flight attendants caught smuggling 27 kg of onions into Philippines

The crew members were also in possession of 10.5 kg of lemons, as well as other fruits and vegetables.

 Close to 40kg of smuggled produce was discovered in the luggage of Philippine Airlines crew members on Friday.

A new geostrategic reality: Saudi Arabia’s growing role

Xi’s visit to Saudi Arabia is his second in six years, indicating that China is seeking to expand its ties with Saudi partners at the strategic level.

 SAUDI CROWN Prince Mohammed bin Salman shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Riyadh, earlier this month.