Reports and footage on X suggest smoke rising from Saudi Aramco's Riyadh refinery on Saturday morning. The cause and operational impact are currently unclear. Simultaneously, Axios reports that Saudi Arabia is preparing a significant offensive against Iran-backed Houthis. This comes after President Trump's comments about potential bombing campaigns resuming against Tehran post-midterm elections. NASA's FIRMS satellite monitoring system detected higher-intensity thermal hits over the Riyadh refinery. Open-source intelligence accounts on X are sharing footage potentially showing Houthi attacks on this key refining asset. The refinery has a capacity of approximately 130,000 barrels per day. The Axios report indicates the Saudi operation will target coastal areas used by the Houthis. Saudi Arabia has been planning this operation for weeks, with approval from leadership. Saudi defense officials briefed U.S. counterparts on the planned operation. The U.S. has stated it will not engage in kinetic action at this time. A political scientist warns that Iran's 45-day deadline for the U.S. to lift its naval blockade has expired, potentially marking a new phase in the conflict.