An airstrike hit Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in the early hours; sounds of missile interception were heard on site—by whom might the attack have been launched?

Answer 1 Thank you for the invitation. The Houthi Armed Forces’ spokesperson has stated that they launched multiple drones and missiles against Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This was a retaliatory strike in response to Saudi airstrikes targeting multiple locations controlled by the Houthis in Yemen. In recent days, the Houthis have carried out multiple bombing raids on Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan in Saudi Arabia, injuring nearly one hundred people. Thick smoke and towering flames have been reported across multiple Saudi cities. Turkey has stated it will provide technical support to Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously declaring it has no intention of becoming involved in a war against Iran. On September 17, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, speaking to Saudi media, affirmed that Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia both diplomatically and through concrete action—and would spare no effort to protect Mecca and Medina. “The time has come to implement the Mecca Agreement.” At the same time, Asif stated: “Iran, as a state, does not support the Houthis. The 8,000 Saudi troops stationed in Iran are engaged solely in training and related logistical support—not fighting in Yemen on behalf of Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Arabia faces two critical challenges: Iran’s potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Houthis’ blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—both already inflicting economic strain. Militarily, Saudi Arabia is now suffering direct bombardment from the Houthis. Ultimately, the root cause lies with the United States and Israel. Saudi Arabia merely provided military bases—and has become a scapegoat.

Trump may reject Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire agreement; the UK, France, Turkey, and Pakistan plan to offer military support to Saudi Arabia—what underlying economic competition drives this spillover of geopolitical risk, and who stands to benefit?

Answer 2 First, let us outline the content of the seven-day ceasefire agreement—and why Iran proposed it. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented this latest proposal during September 24–25, 2026. Its core condition is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for U.S. compliance with prior commitments. President Trump has already rejected the proposal. Correspondingly, Iran adopts a conciliatory posture, urging the U.S. to implement the so-called “U.S.-Iran 14-Point Surrender Agreement.” Iran’s newly proposed seven-day temporary ceasefire agreement contains the following seven specific provisions: 1. Permanent cessation of military hostilities: The United States and its allies must immediately and permanently halt all military operations targeting Iran and its regional allies. 2. Full lifting of maritime blockades: The U.S. must lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and restore Iran’s freedom of maritime traffic and trade. 3. Unconditional unfreezing of assets: All Iranian official assets frozen by the United States and Western countries must be unfrozen. 4. Withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Persian Gulf: The United States must fully withdraw its combat forces deployed in the Persian Gulf region and close associated military bases. 5. Compensation for war damages: The United States must fully compensate Iran for all war-related losses incurred during recent U.S.-Iran confrontations. 6. Resumption of normal economic and trade relations: Normal external economic and trade relations with Iran must be restored, and relevant economic sanctions lifted. 7. Establishment of a Strait of Hormuz security mechanism: A joint security mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz must be established—including agreed-upon navigation rules and shared responsibility for security governance.

Trump Rejects Iran Proposal on Hormuz as Houthis Target Riyadh

1 day ago

President Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following Houthi attacks on Riyadh. The standoff involves US naval blockades and sanctions, posing risks to regional energy security.

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