U.S. diplomats and their families are being ordered to leave Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Brent crude futures rose $1.29 to $110.11 per barrel, reflecting heightened regional tensions.
The U.S. State Department has instructed non-essential embassy staff and their families to depart Saudi Arabia following sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure, including a deadly strike at Dammam airport. Four U.S. officials confirmed the withdrawal, with some families also being removed from the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain.
The move follows a four-year truce in Yemen's civil war, which collapsed in June, and comes as Saudi Arabia faces near-daily attacks from Houthis, including a strike on Riyadh's airport that killed at least 13 people. The U.S. previously ordered staff to leave the Gulf ahead of its war against Iran.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Hormozgan province, adding to regional instability. The U.S. is reportedly developing plans to restart strikes on Iran, though President Trump has stated he will not act before the November elections.