Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired a Saudi Cabinet session in Riyadh on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. During the meeting, officials addressed the security of the kingdom and international maritime routes following recent Houthi attacks. The Saudi Cabinet stated that the nation "will not allow its security or freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait to be threatened." Members discussed the protection of territorial waters and the maintenance of maritime stability in the region. The session concluded with a formal warning regarding the impact of these military actions on regional stability. Authorities remain focused on monitoring developments to ensure the safety of transit corridors. This cabinet session served as a platform for the Saudi government to formally articulate its stance on the preservation of sovereign borders. The ministers evaluated the operational readiness of security forces tasked with guarding the kingdom’s maritime and terrestrial perimeters.
Security Threats and Consequences
Saudi Cabinet members issued a formal warning to the Houthi group concerning recent military actions targeting airports and critical infrastructure. The statement specifically addressed threats against the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as risks posed to pilgrims and various civilian and economic facilities within the kingdom. Authorities emphasized that these locations remain primary areas of focus for national security measures. By noting the potential danger to pilgrims, the Cabinet showed the gravity of the ongoing security challenge. The government maintains that the protection of these sites is a central pillar of its national security policy. The discussion within the Cabinet session included a review of the vulnerability of economic infrastructure to external military interference. Officials expressed a firm commitment to maintaining the integrity of these facilities against further hostile acts.
President Donald Trump confirmed he held direct discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the ongoing situation in Yemen. During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed regional security developments and the impact of recent hostilities. Describing the actions of the Houthi group, President Donald Trump stated they were "behaving very badly." This high-level communication between the two leaders provided a platform to assess the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability. The dialogue focused on the necessity of addressing the underlying security concerns that have arisen from the recent escalation in military activity.
President Donald Trump also indicated that he might pursue a role for Turkey in addressing the Yemen issue. The proposal involves a potential diplomatic or strategic engagement, though specific details on the nature of such involvement remain under consideration. Officials in Riyadh continue to review international cooperation strategies as they monitor the impact of these developments on the stability of the kingdom. The potential inclusion of Turkey in these efforts represents a shift in the diplomatic approach to the Yemen issue. Currently, the Saudi government is evaluating how such an international partnership might align with its own security objectives. The Cabinet continues to deliberate on these strategic options as they assess the evolving security landscape. Authorities are maintaining a state of vigilance to ensure that all national interests remain protected against any further threats to the kingdom.
