RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a phone call with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth where the two sides discussed regional security.
During the call, they reviewed the Saudi-US strategic defence partnership, discussed coordinating the two friendly nations’ efforts to enhance regional security and stability, and reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
“In a call with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, we reviewed the Saudi-US strategic defence partnership and discussed coordinating our efforts to strengthen regional security and stability,” Prince Khalid wrote on X.
“We also explored several regional and international topics of mutual interest,” he added.
In a call with @SecWar, we reviewed the Saudi-US strategic defense partnership and discussed coordinating our efforts to strengthen regional security and stability. We also explored several regional and international topics of mutual interest.
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) October 1, 2026
Saudi, French defence minister discusses regional challenges
Meanwhile, the Saudi Defence Minister also held a phone call with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin.
During the call, they discussed prospects for bilateral defense cooperation, addressed regional challenges and efforts to maintain international peace and security, and covered issues of mutual interest, the SPA reported.
In a call with @CaVautrin, we reviewed the defense cooperation between our two countries. We also discussed our efforts to address regional challenges in a manner that preserves international peace and security, along with other topics of mutual interest.
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) October 1, 2026
Earlier, spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said that a terrorist attack targeted the Taibah electricity distribution station in Madinah at 5:11 am on September 29, 2026.
The spokesperson said an investigation by the competent authorities, supported by evidence including the wreckage of the drone used in the attack and an after-action review, confirmed the involvement of the Houthi militia in planning and carrying out the attack, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
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The attack caused one power transformer to be taken out of service but did not affect the wider electricity network.
The coalition said the attack targeted a civilian facility supplying electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and described it as part of the militia’s attempts to target the Two Holy Mosques and provoke Muslims worldwide.
The Coalition continues to take and implement measures to deter the Terrorist Houthi Militia, ensuring the protection of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of the pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
