Despite PM reaching out to China, deadlock continues on India's NSG bid<o:p></o:p>

Tensions in the Middle East are spiraling after Saudi Arabia claimed it intercepted cruise missiles and drones amid escalating Iranian retaliation following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry confirmed that two cruise missiles were destroyed south of Riyadh, along with nine drones intercepted after entering Saudi airspace. The claims come a day after the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was reportedly hit by drones, causing limited fire and material damage. Reports also suggest the CIA station within the compound was impacted. As Gulf states brace for spillover from the widening Iran–U.S.–Israel confrontation, questions are mounting over Saudi Arabia’s role — especially after reports suggested Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately pushed Washington toward military action, a claim Riyadh has firmly denied.