Trump Weighs Joining Saudi Campaign Against Houthis After Deadly Riyadh Airport Attack; Kingdom Targets 10 Million BPD Pipeline Capacity

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Newly released footage shows the moment a Houthi strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in an attack that killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300—the deadliest assault on Saudi soil in more than a decade. The escalation has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to state that Washington may join Saudi strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. At the same time, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman outlined plans to expand the Kingdom’s oil pipeline capacity to destinations outside the Persian Gulf to 10 million barrels per day within two to three years, reinforcing export resilience amid ongoing regional attacks.

The Riyadh Airport Attacks

Saturday’s strike on the passenger terminal complex (terminals 3 and 4) killed four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, and India (the Indian victim died later of wounds). Saudi authorities reported 309 wounded, some critically. A further projectile hit Terminal 4 on Sunday, killing one and injuring 11, while air defenses intercepted a cruise missile nearby. The Houthis claimed responsibility for multiple operations targeting the airport and warned airlines and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace.

CBS News released security footage on Monday showing the Saturday strike. The airport faced repeated attacks in the preceding days, leading to widespread flight cancellations (nearly all on some days) and travel advisories from Western embassies. The Saudi-led coalition vowed a firm response, describing the attacks as terrorist acts and war crimes. The incidents form part of intensified fighting that is a spillover from the broader U.S.-Israel war with Iran that began in February 2026.

Trump’s Position and Regional Context

Asked whether the U.S. would join Saudi strikes on the Houthis, Trump told reporters: “We may. We’re going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.” He called the attack “terrible” and “not acceptable,” said he planned to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and noted that “the Saudis are good fighters.” An American was among the dead, raising the stakes.

Trump had previously resisted direct U.S. military intervention despite Saudi requests, offering intelligence and targeting support instead while prioritizing containment ahead of November midterm elections. The conflict has already disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, forcing reliance on alternative routes. Houthi advances and attacks on Saudi infrastructure (including earlier strikes on the East-West pipeline) have kept pressure high. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the strikes for their disregard for civilian life. Further U.S. involvement could widen the Yemen front and affect Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb shipping.

Saudi Pipeline Expansion Plans

Speaking at the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh on October 12 (which proceeded despite the attacks), Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said Saudi Arabia is looking to expand oil pipeline capacity to non-Gulf destinations to 10 million barrels per day within two to three years. The plans include upgrades to pumping stations on the East-West (Petroline) pipeline—the key wartime conduit—and repurposing a gas pipeline for dual oil/gas use.

The East-West pipeline (nominal capacity ~7 million bpd) was flowing 5.8 million bpd as of early October after recovering from a September drone attack blamed on Iraqi militias. It supplies Yanbu on the Red Sea for exports and west-coast refineries, bypassing Hormuz. The dual-use gas line could move about 1.2 million bpd of crude within seven to eight weeks, with further investment potentially raising that to 3 million bpd. The minister emphasized resilience against attacks on energy and aviation infrastructure and noted the strategic value of alternative routes. Yanbu has been critical for maintaining Saudi export volumes since the Iran war disrupted Gulf terminals.

Market Impact

Brent crude traded in the $105–106 range on October 12 (up on the day in many reports), reflecting heightened Middle East risk even as other factors—such as Trump’s announcements of increased Russian diesel supplies and a Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire—provided some offsetting downward pressure. Earlier sessions showed mixed moves. Tanker attacks near Oman and in the Strait of Hormuz added to supply concerns.

The risk premium remains elevated. Goldman Sachs and others have highlighted upside risks from renewed escalation, with estimates of a significant geopolitical premium. Gulf equities softened after the weekend attacks. Short-term spikes are possible if energy infrastructure (pipelines, Yanbu, or facilities), airports, or shipping routes face further hits, or if the U.S. confirms military participation. Longer term, Saudi’s capacity expansion supports export optionality and reduces single-point vulnerabilities, which is constructive for supply security. Diesel markets remain sensitive given prior shortages and the Russian supply developments. Consumers could see elevated fuel costs if volatility persists; investors face potential volatility in energy equities, oil futures, and regional stocks.

What Consumers and Investors Should Watch

  • Immediate escalation signals: Saudi/coalition retaliation, additional Houthi strikes on airports, energy sites, or shipping, and any U.S. decision after Trump’s contact with MBS.
  • Oil prices and flows: Brent/WTI moves, East-West pipeline throughput, Yanbu loadings, and any disruptions to Red Sea or Hormuz traffic.
  • Shipping and chokepoints: Incidents in the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, or Hormuz; Houthi warnings to commercial traffic.
  • Policy and politics: Trump administration statements on Yemen involvement and Iran; midterm-related constraints on escalation.
  • Infrastructure progress: Updates on the 10 million bpd pipeline goal, dual-use conversions, and Aramco export volumes.
  • Broader indicators: Gulf market sentiment, diesel/product cracks, and any shifts in the wider Iran war.

This combination of acute military risk and deliberate energy-infrastructure hardening illustrates how security threats and supply resilience are tightly linked in the current Middle East environment. While Saudi steps to diversify export routes provide a medium-term buffer, near-term price volatility remains elevated for consumers and investors alike.

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