Saudi Arabia’s air‑defence request comes after a six‑month war that has drained U.S. interceptor stocks, leaving the kingdom’s forces exposed to Houthi missiles.
The Saudis lost a key pipeline after Iranian‑backed militias struck in Iraq, halting crude exports and sending oil prices above $100 a barrel. Families in Jubail, whose homes are within a few kilometres of the shutdown line, anxiously watch the skies.
Oman and Egypt are pushing for de‑escalation talks, while Britain maintains a close defence partnership but has not confirmed any deployment of interceptors.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared his country’s unwavering support, and Turkish officials say they are negotiating with Iran and the UAE, yet no Saudi request has reached Ankara or Islamabad.
Allies are now weighing the feasibility of sending air‑defence systems, a move that could reshape the region’s air‑space and safeguard vital oil infrastructure.