# Saudi airport hit as Iran tensions spike

> Smoke and flames near Riyadh airport amid escalating regional conflict and energy supply concerns.
- Title: Saudi airport hit as Iran tensions spike · CNBC | Shortify
- Summary: Smoke and flames near Riyadh airport amid escalating regional conflict and energy supply concerns. The Middle East conflict is disrupting oil supplies and…
- Keywords: saudi arabia, riyadh airport, iran, houthis, yemen, middle east conflict, energy supplies, oil prices, strait of hormuz, bab el-mandeb, pakistan, diplomacy
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/19/riyadh-airport-smoke-saudi-arabia.html
- Author: Azhar Sukri
- Published: 2026-09-19T13:48:04+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: saudi arabia, riyadh airport, iran, houthis, yemen, middle east conflict, energy supplies, oil prices, strait of hormuz, bab el-mandeb, pakistan, diplomacy
## Smoke and flames near Riyadh airport
Saudi civil defense issued aerial-attack alerts for Riyadh early Saturday after reports of explosions. Smoke and flames were later spotted near King Khalid International Airport, though the cause remains unclear.
## Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia
Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia and launched a ground offensive around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil chokepoint, seizing the port of Mokha and nearby islands.
## U.S. approves major arms sale to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration approved a potential 24.3 billion dollar sale of 48 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia, plus engines and parts, seen as a major boost for the kingdom amid regional tensions.
## Iran signals willingness to negotiate
Iran's security council secretary said consultations with Qatari and Pakistani mediators continue, and they have communicated conditions to the U.S. including ending the war, releasing frozen assets, and lifting the naval blockade.

> We are in contact with the Qatari mediator; they have conveyed our conditions for halting the war to Washington.
## Pakistan pushes for energy stability
Pakistan's foreign minister told Iran's counterpart that uninterrupted energy supplies and safe passage for ships are critical for developing countries and global supply chains. The two agreed to meet at the U.N. General Assembly next week.
## Oil pipeline damaged, prices stabilize
A drone attack damaged Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline on September 11, forcing a shutdown. Crude prices fell for the third consecutive session as markets anticipate the closure will have less impact on supplies than feared.
## War pushing oil prices higher all year
Brent crude is up 72 percent since the start of 2026 as the conflict choked off energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate futures closed Friday at 100.30 dollars per barrel.
## Key takeaway

The Middle East conflict is disrupting oil supplies and forcing diplomatic negotiations as attacks intensify around critical shipping routes.