Day 224 | US may resume strikes on Iran within three weeks

This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 225 of the war.

Read more: Day 225 | Houthi strike on Riyadh airport kills three Saudis

US President Donald Trump said Russia would urgently supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to US and global markets following a “very successful” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump said a further 500,000 tonnes would be delivered in November, followed by 1 million tonnes, with total supplies potentially reaching 3 million tonnes.

He predicted a record drop in diesel prices, linking it to the agreement and what he described as full control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran managed to preserve its missile and drone production infrastructure despite months of sustained airstrikes, Bloomberg reported, citing senior Western officials.

Security assessments indicate that the military campaign failed to cripple Iran’s weapons production capabilities, as facilities continued operating through concealment measures and underground infrastructure that helped shield them from widespread destruction, the officials said.

Houthi-affiliated media reported that two people were killed in a Saudi airstrike targeting Sanaa airport in Yemen.

The reported Saudi strike on Sanaa follows attacks on Riyadh airport that killed three people, according to Saudi authorities, amid escalating fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Houthis

Etihad Airways and flydubai have cancelled flights to several Saudi cities following an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Oct. 8 that killed three people and injured several others, according to Saudi aviation authorities.

Etihad cancelled eight Abu Dhabi-Riyadh flights scheduled for October 9 and 10, while flydubai suspended services to Riyadh and Yanbu through October 10 and to Abha through October 11.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that vessels it considers to be violating its restrictions could face punitive action across the region, extending its reach beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement carried by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the IRGC said vessels using what it described as unauthorised routes would be pursued and face what it called “definitive” punishment.

The warning followed an earlier IRGC announcement that it had struck a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.

• EASA, the European Union's aviation safety agency, said Friday that airlines should avoid more of Saudi Arabia's airspace.
• The agency added a new area in the north-west and said recent attacks showed the Houthis can and mean to hit targets deeper inside Saudi territory, including the capital.
• Saudi aviation officials said two attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday killed three Saudi citizens and injured several others.

Europe's top aviation safety regulator on Friday broadened its warning against flying in parts of Saudi Arabian airspace. The move came a day after Houthi forces struck Riyadh's main airport, deepening fears that the conflict spilling out of Yemen now threatens civilian air travel in the Gulf.

The agency, EASA, revised a conflict zone bulletin it first issued on Sep. 30, adding a stretch of north-western Saudi Arabia to its list of areas airlines are advised to stay out of. FlightGlobal, an aviation trade publication, reported that the new restriction took effect Friday and covers a new zone around Riyadh's international airport.

The regulator's reasoning went beyond the missiles themselves. EASA said the Houthis' recent attacks had shown both the ability and the intent to reach deep into the kingdom, and that repeated missile and drone strikes, combined with the activation of air defenses, raised the chance that civilian aircraft could be misidentified.

Deadly strikes on a major hub

The update followed what Saudi officials described as a deadly day at King Khalid International Airport. The kingdom's civil aviation authority said Friday that two attacks there on Thursday had killed three Saudis and wounded several others. The Houthis, who have repeated their threats against airlines serving Saudi Arabia, said they had hit the airport with two cruise missiles.

The airport matters to the region's air network. King Khalid is the kingdom's second-busiest, behind only Jeddah, and handled 296,800 flights in 2025, according to Saudi government statistics.

Airlines retreat

Carriers have begun to respond. Lufthansa Group and three Indian airlines announced after Thursday's attacks that they would halt flights to Riyadh. By 1305 GMT on Friday, FlightRadar24 data showed 131 flights to and from the Saudi capital had been canceled, following hundreds of cancellations a day earlier.

Governments have also raised alarms. A US embassy alert for Americans in the Middle East said the Houthis had attacked civilian airports and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and that the situation could worsen quickly.

Read more: Houthis warn Saudi airspace dangerous for civilian flights

A roadside bomb exploded targeting a police vehicle in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Further details on possible casualties, damage and those responsible for the explosion were not immediately available.

The province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has experienced repeated clashes between Iranian security forces and armed groups, including separatists, according to Reuters. The region is also a major drug-trafficking route.

A vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile off the United Arab Emirates, sparking a fire that was later brought under control, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Friday.

The agency said it had received multiple reports of the incident. It did not immediately provide information on possible casualties.

The strike occurred several dozen kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, a key international shipping corridor currently under an Iranian blockade.

The incident follows a separate attack on a tanker off Qatar several days earlier, roughly 500 kilometres (300 miles) west of the strait.

Iranian media reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said it had targeted a gas-carrying vessel as it attempted to cross what it described as an unauthorized route south of the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC Navy said a large fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room following the attack in the southern passage of the strait.

It warned that its actions against vessels would not be limited to those it considers to have violated rules in the strait, adding that ships using unauthorized routes would also face punishment.

Pakistan has a "substantial" number of forces deployed in Saudi Arabia acting in a defensive capacity, Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman said on Friday.

"From Pakistan already we have substantial number of forces as well as resources in town, in Riyadh," foreign ministry spokesman Sajjad Haider Khan told journalists, adding Pakistani military personnel in the kingdom "would not be crossing the borders of the other side for an attack on the Houthis, but of course (is acting) in the defence of the territory".

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday at a regional summit in Turkmenistan that peace negotiations will only succeed without "pressure and threats", with the months-long Middle East war locked in a stalemate.

"Dialogue holds meaning and a chance of success only when based on mutual respect and mutual commitments, and when devoid of pressure and threat," he said during his speech at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit.

The US Embassy in Amman issued a security alert urging Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance due to what it called the “complex security environment and risks of rapid escalation”.

The alert highlights hostilities by Iranian-supported Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties, as confirmed by Saudi authorities.

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Amman – October 8, 2026 Event: Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Check your flight’s departure status with the airline directly or through: · Amman: https://t.co/dZXWg0U5ga Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans traveling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. We remind U.S. citizens that Iran has attacked civilian and critical infrastructure across the Middle East, including hotels, airports, and other civilian locations. U.S. citizens should continue to monitor information from the Jordanian government about specific threats and follow instructions, including sirens and other warnings. Please also monitor all U.S. embassy travel advisories and guidance. Operational Status: The U.S. embassy remains open for routine American citizens and visa services. Actions to Take: · Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency. · Please visit Jordan’s National Center for Security and Crisis Management website for public safety guidelines, including explanations of emergency sirens in Jordan. · If an aerial attack occurs, stay away from glass doors, windows, and any fallen debris, and monitor your phone and news outlets for official guidance. · Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the emergency numbers listed below. · Be aware of your surroundings. · Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. · Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence. · Monitor local media. · Follow the instructions of local authorities. · Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected. · Exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States. · Keep a low profile. Assistance: U.S. Embassy – Amman, Jordan Al-Umawyeen 37, Amman, Jordan Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000 Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500 Email: [email protected] U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada).

— U.S. Embassy Amman (@USEmbassyJordan) October 9, 2026

It warns of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions, and notes that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target US interests overseas, including businesses and institutions.

Houthi strikes on Saudi airports included Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which left three people dead and dozens wounded.

Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition have reported civilian casualties and vowed responses, amid ongoing fighting in Yemen.

These incidents form part of a broader escalation that intensified in September 2026, with Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and repeated cross-border attacks on Saudi energy and civilian sites.

The developments occur against the backdrop of wider regional tensions involving Iran.

The US Embassy in Amman remains open for routine American citizen and visa services.

Officials advise US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), monitor Jordanian government guidance and local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, check flight status directly with airlines, stay alert at locations associated with the United States, and keep a low profile.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority (GACA) said two attacks targeted facilities at King Khalid International Airport and a Saudia airlines aircraft on Thursday, killing three Saudi citizens and injuring several others.

In a statement issued Friday, GACA said the first attack struck airport facilities and the second struck a plane belonging to the national carrier.

#بيان بشأن استهداف مرافق مطار الملك خالد الدولي وطائرة تابعة للخطوط السعودية. #الطيران_المدني https://t.co/PPB2d6igZw

— هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) October 9, 2026

The injured, who included Saudi citizens and residents of various nationalities, sustained wounds ranging from mild to severe and were taken to hospital.

Some material damage was also reported.

Airport operations have resumed and air traffic has returned to normal, per the statement.

The statement did not note who was responsible for the attack, but it comes amid ballistic missile attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

Recent days have seen multiple reported strikes on Saudi airports, earlier resulting in additional casualties and temporary flight disruptions, including cancellations and suspensions by some international airlines.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday rejected a New York Times report claiming that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets had been used in strikes against the Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, describing the account as “fake and fabricated.”

The NYT article cited a senior Pakistani military official speaking on condition of anonymity who said PAF aircraft were involved in operations against the Houthis amid escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia.

A second official reportedly indicated that Pakistan’s role focused on degrading Houthi drone and missile threats through air support rather than any ground offensive in Yemen.

In a post on X, the ministry stated: “NYT above referred story attributing employment of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated.”

It urged international media houses “to avoid speculative reporting with regards to employment of Pakistan’s Military Forces under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” adding that “Details of any employment, if necessary will be given by concerned authorities.”

The statement concluded with the phrase “Truth Prevails over Falsehood.”

The denial comes against the backdrop of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

Pakistani officials have confirmed that troops are present in the kingdom in multiple capacities under longstanding defence cooperation, with military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry describing any role as defensive.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistani and Turkish forces are present in a supporting capacity while Saudi troops alone conduct combat operations.

Analysts have noted that Islamabad is likely prioritising the protection of Saudi oil infrastructure and seeking to preserve its relationship with Iran, making direct combat involvement with the Houthis less probable.

Pakistan has previously dismissed related claims, including earlier social media reports of Houthi damage to PAF JF-17 jets at a Saudi air base, which it labelled “absolute fake.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “resolute” commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security under the Mecca pact following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom, while calling on the group to cease its assaults.

• The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Aseer, Riyadh and Najran provinces, Jizan province, and Taif city and its international airport.
• The UK government warns against all travel within 10km of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.
• The advisory cites missile and drone attacks, warning that further strikes and travel disruption remain possible.

The British government has advised Thursday against all but essential travel to five areas of Saudi Arabia, citing heightened security risks amid regional tensions and the threat of further missile and drone attacks.

In an update published on October 8 and still current on October 9, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advised against all but essential travel to Aseer, Riyadh and Najran provinces, Jizan province, and Taif city, including Taif International Airport.

The FCDO also continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.

The advisory warns that travelling against the government’s recommendations could invalidate travel insurance, urging British nationals to review the risks before making travel plans.

The UK government said the Houthis, a military group in Yemen, had launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia since July 13. It warned of a heightened threat to airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure, including in Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as to shipping in the Red Sea.

“Further attacks are possible,” the FCDO said, advising British nationals to follow alerts issued by Saudi Civil Defence and monitor local and international media for updates.

The advisory also warns of possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and other travel disruption across the Middle East, urging travellers to keep departure plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date.

British nationals are advised to stay away from military facilities and oil infrastructure, exercise caution around airports and ports, and follow instructions from local authorities. If told to take shelter, they should remain indoors or seek the nearest safe building, preferably in an interior room or stairwell away from windows and external walls.

The FCDO said the wider regional situation remained unpredictable despite a memorandum of understanding announced by the United States and Iran on June 17. It also cited strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran across the region since July 8, warning of the risk of further attacks and unforeseen escalation.

The UK government advises travellers who decide to proceed with their trips to obtain appropriate insurance covering their destinations, planned activities and potential emergency expenses. It also recommends subscribing to FCDO email alerts for updates to its travel advice.

Read more: Saudi launches major retaliatory strikes against Houthis

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported on Thursday that several heavy explosions occurred in the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz, citing military sources who said oil tankers may have struck sea mines in the area.

The report suggested the vessels were using routes Tehran had not authorized. It did not identify the tankers or provide details on possible casualties or damage.

The reported explosions come amid heightened tensions over maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, as Iran warns vessels against using routes it has not approved. The circumstances surrounding the reported blasts remain unclear.

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was ranked the world’s most disrupted airport by Flightradar24 early Friday, Oct 9, following an overnight report of flight disruptions.

The disruptions follow explosions reported at the airport on Thursday and claims by Yemen’s Houthi movement that it had targeted the facility with a ballistic missile. 

• Trump said media outlets misrepresented his remarks about the possibility of Iranian attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego.
• He argued that temporarily higher gasoline prices were a small price to pay to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• In an Oct. 8 Truth Social post, he accused news outlets of portraying his comments as an invitation for Iran to attack the two cities.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday denied suggesting that Iran should bomb San Diego and Los Angeles, saying he had invoked the possibility of attacks on the two cities to argue that Americans should accept temporarily higher gasoline prices to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

In a post on his Truth Social platform dated Oct. 8, Trump accused news outlets of misrepresenting his remarks, saying he had compared the short-term cost of higher fuel prices with the potential consequences of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and bombing major US cities.

"All I was doing was making a comparison between paying a little more, for a short time, for Gasoline, versus the bombing of our Major Cities," Trump wrote.

He accused what he called "Fake News" outlets of falsely portraying his comments as an invitation for Iran to attack the two California cities, adding that he loved both cities.

Trump's initial remarks, made at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Oct. 5, drew criticism from California officials and some Republicans. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the comments "deranged and dangerous," while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Trump's remarks could potentially compromise the city's safety.

Two suicide drones struck a camp housing a Kurdish separatist group in the Rizgari area of Khabat district in Iraq’s Erbil province, Iranian media reported on Friday, citing security sources in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The extent of the damage and whether there were any casualties were not immediately clear.

Iran has repeatedly targeted Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, accusing them of threatening its security. The groups have operated from bases in northern Iraq for decades, and the attacks have intensified during the regional war that began in February.