Saudi Arabia's King Salman Diagnosed with Lung Infection

88-Year-Old Monarch to Undergo Treatment

Infection Raises Concerns about Royal Succession

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been diagnosed with a lung infection and will undergo treatment, the Royal Court announced on Tuesday. The 88-year-old monarch is expected to stay in hospital for several days.

The announcement did not provide any further details about the king's condition or the severity of the infection. However, the news has raised concerns about the royal succession in Saudi Arabia, which is an absolute monarchy.

King Salman has been on the throne since 2015. He has been in poor health in recent years and has undergone several medical procedures, including surgery for a colon tumor in 2020.

The Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. He has led the country for almost five years and has overseen a number of ambitious economic reforms. However, he has also been criticized for his authoritarian rule and his involvement in the war in Yemen.

The health of King Salman and the succession of the Saudi throne will continue to be closely watched by the international community. Saudi Arabia is a key US ally and a major oil producer. Its stability is seen as vital to regional security.