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Markets

Saudi Arabia Closes King Fahd Causeway After Iranian Strikes

Published 7 April 2026

Saudi Arabia closed its only road link to Bahrain on Tuesday, suspending traffic on the King Fahd Causeway after Iran launched ballistic missiles at the kingdom's oil-rich Eastern Province. The 25-kilometer bridge, which connects Saudi Arabia to the island nation hosting the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, was shut as a precautionary measure amid fears of further attacks.

The closure followed early Tuesday strikes in which Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Saudi territory. Saudi authorities reported that the projectiles were intercepted, with debris falling near energy facilities. Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki stated that damage assessments were underway. The King Fahd Causeway Authority announced the suspension via a post on X, citing threats targeting the Eastern Province as the reason for halting vehicle movement.

The incident unfolded as a U.S.-set deadline loomed for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes during peacetime. President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran allow full shipping traffic to resume by 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, threatening to bomb the country's power plants and bridges...

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