Explosions heard in Ukraine's Lviv

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan on the need to make efforts to prevent further escalation of the Middle East crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a telephone call from US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, Russia Today reported, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb told ANI that "the future is Indian," praising New Delhi's unique ability to engage all sides in global conflicts. He backed India's permanent UN Security Council seat and discussed NATO, Ukraine, and West Asia tensions, highlighting India's pragmatic role in a shifting world order.

Middle East tensions have escalated as airstrikes hit Tehran, leaving Mehrabad Airport on fire. In retaliation, Iran targeted Tel Aviv, while Saudi Arabia intercepted 16 drones and missiles aimed at vital oil fields and air bases. Riyadh and the GCC condemned the "treacherous Iranian aggression," asserting their right to respond.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned of a "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting it increasingly acts without consultation. Citing conflicts in West Asia, Ukraine, and Sudan, he called for a "new covenant" because the current cost of uncoordinated multipolarity is "too high."

Experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 warned that global conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine are "bleeding together" with Indo-Pacific security. While the US maintains its ability to respond to Taiwan tensions despite Middle East involvement, speakers noted that expanding regional wars are creating a complex, interconnected global crisis.

Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America, stated at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 that global conflicts necessitate "unexpected arrangements" and "carve outs" to balance geostrategic competition with economic stability. He noted that even during crises, the US remains conscious of global energy markets, requiring nations to navigate these contradictions.

Qatar's Ministry of Defence on Thursday said the country had been subjected to a missile attack and that its air defence systems were actively intercepting the incoming missiles.

According to the IRGC PR, this operation is against the positions of what it said as "American-Zionist terrorists" in the heart of the occupied territories and the US bases and according to their PR, it began with explosions under the code name "Ya Hassan ibn Ali (peace be upon him)."