‘Hostile aerial threat’: Emergency sirens, explosions rock Riyadh for first time since escalation

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia issued a warning regarding a "hostile aerial threat" and activated multiple emergency alerts across the country overnight, including the first such alarm in the capital since hostilities escalated with Iran-backed rebels in neighbouring Yemen.

Meanwhile, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed Tehran has communicated its prerequisites for terminating the war to Washington through Qatar, which is acting as a primary mediator. Separately, Israeli bombardments killed three people in Gaza, whilst Israel's armed forces stated they targeted Hezbollah sites across several locations in southern Lebanon.

Explosion reported in Saudi capital following warning alerts

At least one explosion was heard across Riyadh after the first emergency alert was triggered for the Saudi capital since the recent intensification of fighting with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi insurgents. Residents near the airport reported seeing a column of smoke later in the morning.

Authorities reported no casualties or structural damage. Saudi officials did not issue a public statement explaining the cause of the alerts, though military forces have previously intercepted Houthi missile and drone attacks.

Iran awaiting US reaction to war termination conditions

The head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Tehran is awaiting a response from President Donald Trump after transmitting its terms for concluding the conflict via Qatari envoys.

The precise timing of when the conditions were delivered remains unclear. Rezaei outlined that the demands incorporate a cessation of hostilities across all fronts, the unfreezing of confiscated Iranian assets, and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Previous diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Tehran ended without agreement.

He added that Iran also seeks an end to the armed conflict involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

AP