The Saudis are bracing for a possible major attack from the Tehran-backed Houthis as the Iran war widens.
• Saudi Arabia braces: The country is anticipating “multiple coordinated attacks” on ports and airports by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, a Saudi official told CNN, citing “multiple intelligence reports.”
• NATO-style pact: As Saudi Arabia faces those threats, it has signed a mutual defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan — a nuclear-armed country — that stipulates an attack against any of them “shall be regarded as an attack against them all.”
• Hormuz deal: Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s deputy foreign minister said. The agreement would not automatically reopen the waterway, he warned. Iran has also denied any direct negotiations with the United States.
• Weapons supply: President Donald Trump has pushed back on reports of the Pentagon’s dwindling munitions stockpile, claiming the US has “massive amounts” but acknowledged some weapons supplies are “tighter.”
