Ray McGovern: BREAKING: Yemeni Cruise Missile Hits Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport

Summary

The discussion covered escalating conflicts in Yemen and the wider Middle East, the Russia–Ukraine war, and energy pressures in Europe.

• Yemen and Saudi Arabia: The host reported that Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi) forces had struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport with a cruise missile, with Saudi Arabia reporting casualties and assessing damage. He also described further missile attacks, a Saudi strike on Sana’a airport, and Houthi advances around Taiz. Ray McGovern argued that Saudi Arabia was increasingly exposed: he doubted the United States had the ammunition or willingness to protect it, and said Pakistan, Turkey, and Israel were unlikely to intervene decisively. He viewed a Saudi truce or agreement with Ansar Allah as a possible necessity, though difficult given the history of conflict.

• Trump’s approach to Yemen and Ukraine: McGovern characterized U.S. statements of support for Saudi Arabia as largely rhetorical, citing shortages of missiles and other military resources. On Ukraine, he questioned President Trump’s announcement of an energy-infrastructure ceasefire with Russia, noting that Ukraine’s president said Kyiv had not been consulted and that Russia had not confirmed the arrangement. McGovern saw the reported diesel agreement with Russia as a politically timed gesture ahead of U.S. midterm elections, rather than a durable solution to energy needs.

• The Ukraine war and U.S. policy: McGovern argued that Trump wants a deal but is constrained by U.S. intelligence and other powerful interests that, in McGovern’s view, continue supporting Ukraine. He said Russia has consistently rejected a temporary ceasefire, preferring a broader settlement addressing European security. He also argued that Western weapons stocks are depleted, limiting what the United States and its allies can do.

• Iran and Israel: McGovern disputed claims that Iran had an active nuclear-weapons program, pointing to U.S. intelligence assessments and a religious prohibition against developing such weapons. He said Russia could potentially help remove Iran’s highly enriched uranium, creating a route to a negotiated settlement. He warned that escalation between Israel and Iran could become dangerous, including the possibility—raised by McGovern, not established in the discussion—of Israeli nuclear use.

• European energy and sanctions: McGovern said U.S. purchases of Russian diesel would benefit Russia and further undermine sanctions. He argued that Europe could face greater economic and political strain from high energy costs, and suggested that reopening Nord Stream could be one possible energy solution. He also criticized European governments for remaining too dependent on Washington.

The interview ended early after McGovern’s wife warned him about an approaching tornado and advised him to seek shelter.

The claims and forecasts above reflect the speakers’ discussion and opinions.

Presenters and contributors: Nema (host); Ray McGovern.