Saudi Arabia and Iran are both accelerating oil exports, adding barrels to global markets at a time when the US is deploying military assets in the Middle East, creating uncertainty about future supply.

Iran continues to launch missile and drone strikes across several Middle East countries as Trump warns over the Strait of Hormuz oil threats and orders an investigation into an alleged California drone plot.

Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and the UAE's Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline are thought to be able to help partially offset the Strait of Hormuz blockage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for detailed deliberations on the situation in the Middle East with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A statement on X by state broadcaster PTV News said the premier would stay in Saudi Arabia for a few hours and return after the meeting.

Saudi Arabia intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base amid escalating regional tensions. The event is part of wider conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran that has spread across the Gulf.

The State Department’s most recent directives apply to personnel in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Iranian counterattacks.