WORLD IN BRIEF: Saudi Arabia shuts airspace to US, Trump says Ukraine delaying peace deal, other stories

The World in Brief: Saudi Arabia shuts airspace to US, Trump says Ukraine delaying peace deal, other stories

Saudi Arabia has told Iran it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to sources cited by AFP, as regional tensions escalate. Two sources said the message was delivered directly to Iranian authorities, with Riyadh making clear it would not participate in or facilitate any strike on Iran. The disclosure comes as Donald Trump, the United States president, warns of possible military action if Iran intensifies its crackdown on protesters.

Saudi Arabia hosts US military assets as part of Washington’s Gulf presence, raising concerns the kingdom could be drawn into a wider confrontation despite its stated position.

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Donald Trump has said Ukraine is holding up efforts to end the war with Russia, diverging sharply from the view of European allies who say Moscow has little interest in peace.

Speaking to Reuters, Trump said Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, was ready to make a deal, while Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine’s president, was “less ready”. His remarks point to renewed frustration with Kyiv despite recent efforts to stabilise relations.

Iran has warned neighbouring countries it would target American bases if the United States launches military strikes, as Washington begins withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East.

A US official said the move was precautionary amid heightened tensions. Britain is also reported to be pulling some staff from an air base in Qatar. Western officials say the signals point to increased pressure but stop short of confirming an imminent attack.

Tesla has agreed to enter mediation with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a lawsuit accusing the company of allowing widespread racial harassment at its California factory.

The EEOC said mediation could begin in the coming months, with court deadlines paused to prioritise settlement talks.

A small group of European troops has arrived in Greenland in a symbolic show of support for the Arctic territory, as tensions rise over Donald Trump’s renewed claims on the island.

French and German personnel landed in Nuuk this week, with other European countries involved in what officials describe as a reconnaissance and training mission, underscoring widening transatlantic divisions over Greenland’s future.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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