Middle East

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights Riyadh's hedging as regional tensions persist and talks over a potential civil nuclear program and a defense pact with Washington continue. It also raises questions about proliferation risks if Iran's nuclear program advances further.

US stock futures are in the spotlight as investors react to President Trump's decision on Iran. Traders are weighing the potential impact on oil prices, geopolitical risk and safe-haven demand when markets open, with analysts watching whether the move escalates tensions in the Middle East or opens the door to de-escalation.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng issued a statement addressing both Palestine and Ukraine, calling for the West Bank and post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza to be governed according to the principle of 'Palestinians governing Palestine'. The remarks position China as an active voice on Middle East governance questions and come amid ongoing international debate over Gaza's future administration and the war in Ukraine.

Oil prices rose sharply following renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Middle East. Analysts warn that any direct US-Iran confrontation could push prices higher still, keeping energy markets on edge.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a recent intelligence report. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly if regional rival Iran moves closer to a nuclear capability. Analysts say the assessment could shape debate over US-Saudi defence cooperation and any future civil nuclear agreements between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia has declined to rule out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a new report picked up by outlets including The New Arab and Fox News. The kingdom has long hinted it could pursue nuclear capability if regional rival Iran obtains a bomb, and the latest comments add to concerns about proliferation in the Middle East as tensions over Iran's nuclear programme continue.

Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a full address to the UN General Assembly in New York, with the complete speech broadcast live and drawing large audiences. The remarks come amid ongoing international debate over Israel's conduct in Gaza and its relations with global powers. Many delegates and observers have focused on how world leaders responded to his appearance and message at the assembly.

World leaders are returning to the United Nations General Assembly with the organisation under pressure from ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Beyond the conflicts, the UN faces a crisis of morale and finances, alongside uncertainty over who will next lead the 80-year-old institution, making this year's gathering a test of its relevance and cohesion.

The UK Chancellor is facing budget decisions as economic pressures from the Iran conflict mount. A US Treasury official named Burke has reportedly issued an ultimatum to more than 50 countries across the Middle East and Europe, demanding they end trade relationships with Iran or risk having their own ties with Washington severed. The reports have drawn attention to the growing economic and diplomatic fallout of the confrontation.

A new report citing US officials says Saudi Arabia is weighing the development of a nuclear weapon. The claim, published by Haaretz, would mark a major shift for the kingdom, which has long pushed for civilian nuclear capabilities amid regional rivalry with Iran. US officials' comments on the matter are drawing close attention given the strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia is open to possibly developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi political discussions. The report is drawing attention given long-standing concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the implications for regional rivals like Iran, as well as the future of US-Saudi security cooperation.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to the assessment. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss closer cooperation, including potential civil nuclear agreements. Observers say the assessment could complicate diplomatic efforts over regional security and nonproliferation.

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that carries a large share of the world's oil. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran and forms part of a wider round of Middle East developments being reported, with details of Iran's offer and the grounds for its rejection still limited.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not given up its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by the Tehran Times. The finding suggests Riyadh continues to weigh a nuclear weapons option despite diplomatic engagement with Washington. It is likely to fuel debate over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the terms of any US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement.

US intelligence assessments indicate that Saudi Arabia continues to harbour intentions of developing nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by WION. The finding points to Riyadh's persisting interest in nuclear arms despite ongoing diplomatic discussions about regional security and potential agreements with the United States. The revelation raises questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and how Washington will respond to its Gulf ally's ambitions.

The Philippines has urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stressed that disputes in the South China Sea must be resolved through international law rather than force. The statement ties Manila's position on the Middle East conflict to its own maritime disagreements with China, drawing attention as regional tensions continue over both fronts.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a Washington Post report. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss cooperation agreements. Analysts say the assessment could complicate US-Saudi diplomacy and fuel debate over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly given Iran's nuclear program.

US Congress has received intelligence indicating that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to a report. The assessment raises fresh concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions at a time when US-Saudi relations, regional security and any future civil nuclear cooperation remain under scrutiny.

US intelligence agencies have flagged a potential shift in Saudi Arabia's nuclear program, according to a report picked up by international media. The assessment suggests changes in the kingdom's nuclear activities or ambitions that warrant attention, amid ongoing debate over Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear plans and regional proliferation concerns. Details of the intelligence findings and their implications remain limited.

A new report examines how major technology companies are confronting physical security risks tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The analysis also assesses Iran's broader political, economic, and military resilience, and outlines the limits of US military power in the Middle East as the war continues.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi told the United Nations that all parties in the Middle East conflict should exercise self-restraint and foresight. He said Oman is ready to mediate disputes, positioning the country as a diplomatic bridge between rivals. The appeal aligns with Muscat's long-standing policy of neutral mediation in regional tensions.

The Vatican's top diplomat told the UN General Assembly that a two-state solution remains essential to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and called for limits on the development and use of artificial intelligence. The speech aligns with Pope Francis's repeated appeals for peace in the Middle East and for ethical guardrails on new technologies. It underscores the Holy See's effort to shape international debate on both conflicts and technology governance.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has set out Iran's diplomatic conditions and regional priorities during appearances in New York. Speaking at the United Nations setting, he framed Tehran's terms for engagement with world powers and addressed issues across the Middle East. The remarks draw attention as tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and regional conflicts continue to shape international diplomacy.

Turkey's foreign minister said Israel is facing growing international isolation and called for diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East. Speaking to Syrian state news agency SANA, he urged dialogue over military escalation in the region. The remarks underline Ankara's effort to position itself as a mediator amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and its neighbours.

Iran's armed forces have issued a statement demanding that American forces withdraw from West Asia, declaring that Iran "will not retreat one step." The announcement underscores Tehran's hardline stance toward the US military presence in the region, amid ongoing tensions. The statement signals continued defiance despite international pressure.

Oil prices declined as markets weighed renewed U.S.-Iran diplomacy against ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Traders appear to be balancing the possibility of eased sanctions and higher supply against the risk of disruption to oil flows in the region. The headline, from the Wall Street Journal, suggests markets are taking a cautious, wait-and-see stance. Details on the size of the price drop or the state of negotiations are not provided in the available post.

Egypt, described as one of the region's strongest militaries, has joined France, Italy and Greece for a major naval exercise in the Mediterranean while lending support to Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. The joint drill and political backing signal growing regional alignment around postwar proposals for the territory, drawing attention across Middle East and African media.