Gulf Geopolitical Tensions Rise After Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport and Energy Risks

Key Facts

1Houthi forces claimed a deadly strike on Riyadh airport killing 13 people, alongside claims of hitting Aramco facilities.

2JPMorgan flagged a tanker crunch causing delivered crude prices to surge back toward recent highs.

3Goldman Sachs reported Gulf oil exports are back at 22-23 mb/d, though Dated Brent prices remain very high.

Houthi forces claimed responsibility for a strike on Riyadh airport that killed 13 people, alongside claims of hitting facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco. Reuters reported the attack complicates a fragile regional energy narrative despite ongoing diplomatic talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

JPMorgan flagged a tanker crunch that has pushed delivered crude prices back toward recent highs, while Goldman Sachs reported that Gulf oil exports remain steady at 22-23 million barrels per day. In equity markets, JPM closed at $332.99 and GS closed at $895.32 on October 9, 2026.