US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new sanctions law targeting Russia and Iran, escalating Washington’s economic pressure as the wider Iran war continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape. The legislation expands the pressure on Russia while extending existing Iran sanctions, with the new framework also giving Washington additional tariff powers against major buyers of Russian energy. At the same time, Trump has said the Iran war could come to an end soon and suggested that energy prices could eventually fall sharply once the conflict winds down. The comments come as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues to keep global oil markets on edge, with the wider Middle East conflict raising fresh concerns over energy security and shipping routes. Meanwhile, Tehran is pushing for a diplomatic route to revive the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding with the United States. Iranian officials say efforts are underway to resolve outstanding issues and expect the other side to honour its commitments under the agreement. Pakistan has also stressed the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU as a way to help defuse regional tensions.

Riyadh is on high alert as Saudi Arabia faces another wave of aerial threats amid a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict. Explosions were reported in the Saudi capital after authorities issued emergency alerts over a hostile aerial threat, while tensions continue to rise following repeated Houthi attacks across the Kingdom. The latest escalation comes as the Houthis threaten further retaliation against Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities have reported interceptions of Houthi drones, including an incident in which falling debris in Taif killed one person and injured two others. The developments have intensified concerns over the widening conflict and its impact on Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure. WATCH