Representational file photo of Saudi flag
Doha, Qatar: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia have intercepted missiles and drones on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as the Middle East turmoil enter 26th day.
Stay tuned for more live updates:
3:48pm Doha Time
IEA Chief says ready to release more oil reserves if needed
Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol said on Wednesday the Agency is ready to release additional oil reserves if needed.
Speaking from Tokyo, Birol said that reserves still hold large quantities of oil, with 80 percent of stockpiles remaining, highlighting that the 400 million barrels released represent only 20 percent of reserves. Read here
Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol waits for Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (not pictured) before their meeting at the beginning of their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on March 25, 2026. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / POOL / AFP)
3:29pm Doha Time
Saudi Arabia begins processing expired visas, allows extensions or exit without penalties
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has announced the commencement of procedures to update the status of holders of all types of expired visas, including visit visas, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas.
The ministry said the decision applies to visas that expired on February 25, 2026, and for those individuals who were unable to depart due to the current circumstances affecting the region. Read more
3:28pm Doha Time
Cabinet condemns Iranian attacks on Qatar, other fraternal countries
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting on Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan. Following the meeting, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following:
At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet renewed its condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks on the State of Qatar and on the fraternal countries, demanding their immediate cessation, in compliance with the provisions of international law and in respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighborliness. The Cabinet affirmed that the State of Qatar retains its full right to respond, and will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory. Read more
2:05pm Doha Time
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones as missile debris causes minor damage
Authorities in Saudi Arabia said air defenses have intercepted and destroyed three drones over the country's Eastern Province, according to an official statement. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Turki Al Maliki, confirmed the interceptions, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to counter aerial threats targeting the kingdom. Read more
2:02pm Doha Time
Oman crude oil price drops
The official price of Oman crude oil for May delivery stood at USD 109.55 per barrel on Wednesday. The price of Oman crude recorded a decrease of USD 30.09 compared to Tuesday's price of USD 139.64 per barrel. The monthly average price of Oman crude oil for March delivery reached USD 62.17 per barrel, marking an increase of 8 cents compared to the February delivery price.
12:08pm Doha Time
Qatar allows outdoor social events to resume starting March 25
The Ministry of Interior announced that social events, including weddings and funeral gatherings, may be held in outdoor spaces, effective from Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This announcement comes in the interest of public safety and is based on the continuous assessment of the situation by the competent authorities.
"The Ministry herewith emphasizes the necessity of adhering to approved instructions and organizational procedures, and coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of attendees and the conduct of these events in a safe and organized environment," it said in a press statement.
The Ministry of Interior announced that social events, including weddings and funeral gatherings, may be held in outdoor spaces, effective from Wednesday, March 25, 2026.https://t.co/uRDoTjaAID
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) March 25, 2026
11:30am Doha Time
Gold gains as dollar weakens, rate hike fears ease
Gold rose more than 2% on Wednesday, buoyed by a softer dollar, while a drop in oil prices eased concerns about elevated inflation and higher global interest rates, amid reports of a US plan to end the Middle East war.
Spot Gold rose 2.1% to $4,568.29 per ounce, while US Gold futures for April delivery gained 3.8% to $4,569.40.
The dollar eased, making greenback-priced bullion cheaper for holders of other currencies.
Spot silver rose 3.8% to $73.94 per ounce. Spot platinum gained 2.6% to $1,984.05 and palladium was up 1.5% at $1,461.75.
11am Doha Time
Debris from intercepted ballistic missile fell on roof of 2 houses in Eastern Province: Saudi Civil Defense
The official spokesman for the Saudi Civil Defense announced Wednesday that debris from the interception of a ballistic missile fell on the roof of two houses, one of which was uninhabited and under construction, in a residential neighborhood in the Eastern Province, resulting in limited material damage without any injuries.
The statement said that the Civil Defense Department had implemented the procedures approved for such cases.
The official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Staff Turki Al Maliki announced a short while ago that a drone had been intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Province.
10:45am Doha Time
Saudi Defense Ministry announces interception of drone in Eastern Province
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday the interception and destruction of a drone in the Eastern Province.
The statement was made by the Ministry's official spokesperson Major General Turki Al Maliki.
Earlier in the day, the Saudi Ministry of Defense had announced the interception and destruction of 21 drones in the Eastern Province.
10am Doha Time
Kuwait Air Defenses intercept missile, drone attacks
Kuwait's Ministry of Defense said early Wednesday that its air defense systems were intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Colonel Staff Saud Al Atwan, the ministry's official spokesperson, said in a press statement that any explosions heard were the result of air defense systems engaging incoming threats.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kuwait's National Guard said its task force had shot down one UAV and five drones within the areas under its protection.
