Explosions Rock Riyadh Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Riyadh was shaken by multiple explosions on Wednesday evening, coinciding with Iran's threats to target oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. This incident follows an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gasfield, heightening tensions in the region. Witnesses reported hearing loud booms, and Saudi air defenses were activated in response to a ballistic missile threat. The situation has led to significant disruptions in global aviation, with flight cancellations and rerouting due to airspace restrictions. As the conflict escalates, the implications for regional stability remain uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 23:39 IST

Explosions in Riyadh

On Wednesday evening, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, experienced a series of loud explosions, as reported by various news sources. This incident comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Iran issued threats to strike five oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This retaliation was in response to an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield, recognized as the largest offshore gasfield globally.

Residents of Riyadh reported hearing at least four significant booms, and Saudi officials confirmed that air defense systems were activated to counter a ballistic missile threat. A journalist from a prominent newspaper in Riyadh observed what seemed to be an interceptor missile launched into the sky shortly after the explosions.

Multiple journalists from various agencies confirmed the occurrence of these explosions, although there was no immediate information regarding casualties or damage.

On Monday, Saudi authorities reported that nearly 100 drones were launched towards the nation, a significant increase from the usual daily average of fewer than 25. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency indicated that five facilities would be targeted imminently, including Saudi Arabia's SAMREF refinery and Jubail petrochemical complex, the UAE's Al Hosn gasfield, and Qatar's Ras Laffan refinery and Mesaieed petrochemical complex.

These strikes follow Iran's claims of attacks on its South Pars natural gas facilities, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict associated with the U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran. Additionally, global aviation has been impacted, leading to flight cancellations and rerouting due to airspace restrictions over the UAE and Qatar.