Gulf Talks Collapsed After Missile Attack on Saudi Airbase
Diplomatic talks between Iran and Gulf states in Salalah, Oman, were postponed indefinitely, as confirmed by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, citing the interests of consensus after Bahrain refused to participate. Iran said the delay was due to a request from Saudi Arabia.
- Scheduled talks between Iran and Gulf states postponed indefinitely in Salalah, Oman
- Houthi forces launched a drone and missile assault on King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait
- Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts in southern cities
- Houthi seizure of Mokha port and Perim Island intensifies regional security situation
- Strike on East-West pipeline restricts oil bypass capabilities and raises crude oil prices by 3 percent
- U.S. retail diesel prices reached a record high of over $6.23 per gallon
- Iran published a blacklist of 77 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening detention or confiscation
- Transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted to single digits
- UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS summit
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested U.S. intervention in Yemen, which President Donald Trump declined
Attacks and Regional Security
Simultaneously, Houthi forces in Yemen launched a drone and missile assault on the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. The group claimed to have struck aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots in retaliation for recent Saudi airstrikes. Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait, Abha, and other southern cities, though the scale of damage remains unconfirmed by Riyadh.
The regional security situation has intensified following the Houthi seizure of the port of Mokha and Perim Island. Furthermore, a strike on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline—attributed by Riyadh to Iran-backed fighters in Iraq—has restricted oil bypass capabilities, contributing to a 3 percent rise in crude oil prices. U.S. retail diesel prices subsequently reached a record high of over $6.23 per gallon. Analysts warn that a prolonged shutdown could threaten 4 percent of global oil supply.
Strait of Hormuz and Oil Transit
Iran has intensified its control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a blacklist of 77 vessels for alleged protocol violations and threatening potential detention or confiscation. Transit volumes through the strait have plummeted to single digits compared to pre-war levels. The waterway has remained under tight control since strikes by the U.S. and Israel in late February.
Diplomatic Divisions and Yemen Conflict
Political divisions persist within the Gulf Cooperation Council. While Bahrain rejects dialogue until diplomatic relations are restored, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS summit in India to discuss de-escalation. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated that the kingdom's security is non-negotiable, a position discussed during a phone call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, denied involvement in Houthi operations, describing the group as independent actors.
Sources indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested U.S. intervention in Yemen, a plea President Donald Trump has declined. Displacement remains high in Yemen, with tens of thousands fleeing the western coast as conflict continues near Taiz and Mokha. Despite the breakdown in talks, Muscat has indicated the Salalah meeting may be rescheduled, though no date has been set.