Trump lifts Russia energy sanctions as Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles

The US president signed an order easing Russia sanctions and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Houthi attacks on its airspace.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:42:49 GMT

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 17 October 2026 waiving new U.S. sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted Houthi‑launched drones and ballistic missiles near its airports on 17‑18 October, Gulf News reported.

What happened

On 17 October, Trump signed an order that removed key sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russian energy revenues, a move linked to a diesel‑import deal with Moscow. The same day Saudi defence officials announced the interception of missiles and drones launched from Yemen that were heading toward Saudi airspace, including near Aden airport. The following morning, 18 October, Saudi forces again reported shooting down Houthi‑launched weapons, and the United States and United Kingdom issued travel warnings for Saudi airports after the attacks.

What the reports add

Gulf News’ 17‑October live feed highlighted that the executive order was signed at 06:42 AM and described the waiver as “key US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia's energy revenues.” The 18‑October update added that Iran proposed a seven‑day plan through Qatar to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and that Egypt offered to defend Saudi Arabia if requested. Both pieces noted that US Central Command said more than 50,000 American troops are deployed across the region.

What was said

Trump told reporters, as quoted by Gulf News, that the waiver was “in the national interest” and that the Iran‑related war would end “very quickly.” Saudi officials, cited by the outlet, said they had successfully intercepted the Houthi missiles and drones, though no casualty figures were provided. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, quoted in the 18‑October report, said Tehran had put forward a seven‑day plan via Qatar to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

How it came about

The sanctions waiver follows a series of Trump‑initiated moves on Russia, including a 17‑October waiver of Russia tariffs after a diesel deal (Felo article) and a 16‑October pause of new Russia sanctions (Felo article). Earlier in October, Trump suggested Saudi Arabia might accept Israeli assistance against the Houthis (Felo article), a stance that frames the current Saudi interceptions.

Key facts

President Trump signed an executive order waiving new sanctions on Russia's energy sector on 17 October 2026. (gulfnews.com)
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Houthi‑launched drones and ballistic missiles on 17‑18 October 2026. (gulfnews.com)
Trump said the Iran war would end "very quickly" in statements reported on 18 October. (gulfnews.com)
More than 50,000 US troops are deployed across the Middle East, according to US Central Command. (gulfnews.com)