Riyadh

An Asia Times analysis argues that a nuclear pact between the United States and Saudi Arabia could put Riyadh on a path toward developing nuclear weapons. The report raises concerns that civil nuclear cooperation under the agreement could eventually give Saudi Arabia the capability, or at least the option, to pursue a bomb, with implications for Middle East security and regional proliferation.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has arrived in Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meetings come as Riyadh and Washington continue coordinating on regional security, the war in Gaza and bilateral cooperation. Details of the agenda were not immediately disclosed, but the visit underscores the ongoing high-level engagement between the two allies.

Saudi Arabia is collecting a massive oil windfall as the conflict between Israel and Iran pushes crude prices higher, with Fortune reporting the kingdom may be the war's only clear winner. The surge in energy prices is boosting Riyadh's revenues even as the wider region faces instability, drawing attention to how economic gains from the crisis are unevenly distributed.

US President Donald Trump said the war involving Iran could end soon, with negotiations continuing and Saudi Arabia stepping up its diplomatic efforts. The remarks point to intensified regional diplomacy, with Riyadh playing a mediating role as officials push for a ceasefire or broader settlement. Observers are watching whether the talks produce a concrete de-escalation in the conflict.