Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Expanding Relations

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Russia Stress Expanding Relations

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, held telephone talks on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The talks focused on bilateral relations between their countries and ways to bolster them in various fields.

They tackled the latest regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards them to achieve security and stability.

The Kremlin said the two officials stressed the level of friendly relations between their countries.

They discussed cooperation with focus on expanding trade and economic relations for the mutual benefit of both parties.

They also addressed the global oil market.

"The current situation on the world oil market was considered in detail. The importance of further coordination within the framework of OPEC+ was emphasized," the Kremlin said.

"It was noted with satisfaction that the countries participating in this format are consistently fulfilling their obligations in order to maintain the necessary balance and stability in the global energy market."

On June 2, OPEC+, which brings together the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with other producers led by Russia, agreed a larger-than-expected rise in output.

The group is set to meet on August 3.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had stressed on Tuesday the Kingdom's commitment to the stability of energy markets.

The Minister said Saudi Arabia is focused on maintaining the stability of oil markets through OPEC+, asserting that dialogue within the group is very active and responds to the requirements of the oil markets.

"As of today, we don't see a lack of oil in the market. There is a lack of refining capacity, which is also an issue, so we need to invest more in refining capacity," he said during a visit to Tokyo.



Saudi Leadership Extends Condolences to Spain over Victims of Train Crash

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
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Saudi Leadership Extends Condolences to Spain over Victims of Train Crash

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman sent separate cables of condolences to Spanish King Felipe VI following a train collision in central Spain that left dozens dead and scores injured, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.

Both leaders expressed their deepest sympathies to the Spanish monarch, the families of the victims and the Spanish people, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

On Wednesday, a high-speed train slammed into another that had stopped on the tracks in Spain, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens.


Saudi, Kuwaiti Defense Ministers Pledge Solidarity Against All Threats in Phone Call

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
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Saudi, Kuwaiti Defense Ministers Pledge Solidarity Against All Threats in Phone Call

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a phone call on Wednesday with Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The two officials reviewed defense relations between the two countries, discussed the latest regional developments, and affirmed their solidarity against all challenges and threats to safeguard their security and stability.


Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missile Fired towards Eastern Province

A fighter loyal to Yemen's internationally-recognized government aims a rifle at a position along the frontlines against the Houthis around Mount al-Midan in Yemen's western Taiz province on October 26, 2026. (Photo by Ahmad AL-BASHA / AFP) /
A fighter loyal to Yemen's internationally-recognized government aims a rifle at a position along the frontlines against the Houthis around Mount al-Midan in Yemen's western Taiz province on October 26, 2026. (Photo by Ahmad AL-BASHA / AFP) /
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Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missile Fired towards Eastern Province

A fighter loyal to Yemen's internationally-recognized government aims a rifle at a position along the frontlines against the Houthis around Mount al-Midan in Yemen's western Taiz province on October 26, 2026. (Photo by Ahmad AL-BASHA / AFP) /
A fighter loyal to Yemen's internationally-recognized government aims a rifle at a position along the frontlines against the Houthis around Mount al-Midan in Yemen's western Taiz province on October 26, 2026. (Photo by Ahmad AL-BASHA / AFP) /

The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia towards Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province early on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense had issued two warnings of potential danger in Najran, in the kingdom’s southwest, and the Eastern Province, before announcing minutes later that the threat had passed in both areas.

Meanwhile, the Houthis’ escalating attacks on villages and residential areas in the provinces of Lahj and Taiz have deepened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes. The escalation has prompted international warnings of worsening hardship and mounting humanitarian needs in a country where 22.3 million people require aid.

Government sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis had stepped up attacks on residential areas using missiles, drones and mortar shells after failing to make progress on the ground, in an apparent bid to put pressure on residents and government forces.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned that conditions for displaced people were worsening, with access to humanitarian aid and essential services increasingly difficult. It said about 5.2 million people were internally displaced before the latest escalation, while 2.2 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition.