United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Syria on Saturday for the first time in 17 years, marking a significant moment in the country’s efforts to rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. During his visit to Damascus, Guterres met Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa and pledged continued UN support for reconstruction, humanitarian recovery and long-term stability as Syria works to recover from years of war. President Sharaa welcomed Guterres at the presidential palace, where the two leaders held talks focused on rebuilding the country and strengthening cooperation with the United Nations. Speaking after the meeting alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani, Guterres said no nation can recover from a devastating conflict without international assistance. He stressed that the global community has a responsibility to help Syria restore its economy, rebuild damaged infrastructure and create conditions for lasting peace. Foreign Minister Shaibani called on the international community, particularly the European Union, to increase financial and technical support for Syria’s recovery. He said discussions with Guterres also covered plans to expand UN assistance for reconstruction projects and support the government’s efforts to gradually close displacement camps as security conditions improve. Regional security was another major topic during the visit. Guterres expressed concern over the situation in the Golan Heights, describing recent developments as unacceptable. Syrian officials repeated their demand for Israeli forces to withdraw immediately from the United Nations monitored buffer zone where troops have been stationed since 2024. Damascus has also called for a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement that previously governed military positions in the area. The visit is being viewed as another important step in Syria’s return to the international stage following the removal of former president Bashar al Assad in late 2024. The end of Assad’s rule brought an end to a civil war that began in 2011 and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths while forcing millions of Syrians to flee their homes. At the time, Guterres described the political transition as a hopeful moment for both Syria and the wider region. Before arriving in Damascus, the UN chief described his trip as a visit of solidarity and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this critical period. He is expected to spend several days in the country, meeting senior government officials, representatives of civil society and humanitarian organizations. Guterres is also scheduled to address Syria’s parliament, where he is expected to speak about the country’s opportunity to build a more stable, inclusive and prosperous future after years of conflict. The visit comes as Syria continues to rebuild diplomatic ties with countries around the world. President Sharaa’s administration has sought to strengthen relations beyond the country’s traditional allies while encouraging international investment and cooperation. Since taking office, the government has focused on restoring Syria’s place in regional and global affairs after years of political isolation. Recent diplomatic developments have reflected that effort. Last year, Sharaa became the first Syrian president in decades to address the United Nations General Assembly. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove Syria from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism after Washington lifted most of its sanctions on the country. Despite these diplomatic gains, security concerns remain. Guterres’ visit follows recent bomb explosions near a hotel in Damascus that had hosted French President Emmanuel Macron during his landmark visit, the first by a European Union head of state since Syria’s political transition. The incidents highlighted the continuing security challenges facing the country as it moves through a delicate rebuilding process. During his stay, Guterres is also expected to visit the UN peacekeeping mission responsible for monitoring the buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces. The mission has operated in the area for decades and continues to play a key role in maintaining stability along the disputed frontier. His visit underscores the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery while encouraging dialogue, regional stability and international cooperation.

Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to Asia are facing fresh uncertainty after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a blockade targeting Saudi ports in the Red Sea, raising fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies and higher oil prices. The impact became evident after two oil tankers carrying nearly 2.8 million barrels of Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea instead of continuing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The vessels had departed from the Saudi port of Yanbu and were originally bound for Asian markets. The latest development has created concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia’s alternative export route. For months, the kingdom relied heavily on its Red Sea pipeline network and Yanbu terminal to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where regional tensions have significantly reduced shipping traffic. With Bab al-Mandeb now under threat, Saudi Arabia’s backup route is also facing serious challenges. Energy analysts warn that this could restrict oil exports, tighten global supplies and increase pressure on international crude prices. Asian countries are expected to suffer the greatest impact because they depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil. Around six million barrels of crude oil pass through Bab al-Mandeb every day on their way to Asian markets, with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly two-thirds of that volume. India is considered the most vulnerable, as more than half of its crude oil imports travel through the Red Sea route. Pakistan is also among the affected countries, with around 36 percent of its crude imports passing through Bab al-Mandeb. Other major importers exposed to disruptions include the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. To avoid conflict zones, shipping companies are evaluating a much longer route through Egypt’s Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope before heading towards Asia. Although this route bypasses both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, it comes with significant drawbacks. The journey could take more than twice as long, extending delivery times by several weeks. Longer voyages would also increase fuel consumption, insurance costs and freight charges, making crude oil more expensive for buyers. Logistical challenges further complicate the situation. Most Saudi crude from Yanbu is transported on Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), which are too large to pass through the Suez Canal when fully loaded. Operators would need to either transfer part of the cargo through Egypt’s SUMED pipeline or use smaller tankers, both of which would add time and operational costs. Energy experts believe these limitations could reduce Saudi Arabia’s export capacity even if alternative shipping routes remain available. Some refiners in Asia have already started preparing for longer supply routes, while shipping companies are adjusting vessel schedules in anticipation of prolonged disruptions. Analysts also warn that if instability continues in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, the consequences could extend beyond shipping. Higher transportation costs, tighter crude supplies and increased demand for oil tankers could push global oil prices above the $100-per-barrel mark. Alternative supplies from countries such as Russia, the United States and Venezuela may help ease shortages, but those options are limited by production constraints, longer shipping distances and higher transportation expenses.