Iranian Drone Strike Hits US Embassy In Saudi Arabia

Iran has struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, triggering a fire and heightening tensions across the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said two drones hit the embassy compound in the early hours of Tuesday, causing “minor material damage” and “a small fire.”

Plumes of black smoke were seen rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, which houses several foreign missions. Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast, with flames visible at the site, although authorities described the fire as limited in scale.

The embassy building was reportedly empty at the time of the attack, and no casualties were recorded.

Saudi officials added that air defence systems intercepted four additional drones targeting the diplomatic quarter during the assault, preventing further damage.

Following the incident, the US embassy urged American citizens to avoid the compound.

The strike came after a separate security incident at the US embassy in Kuwait, which announced it would remain closed until further notice.

The US State Department has also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and their families from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Jordan as a precautionary measure.

US President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington’s response to both the embassy attack and the killing of American service members would soon be made clear.

“You’ll find out soon,” he said.

The embassy strike marks a significant escalation of hostilities in the Gulf. Iran has in recent days launched drone and missile attacks on targets in countries hosting American military assets, describing the operations as retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on its territory.

On Monday, Saudi Aramco shut down its Ras Tanura oil refinery after a fire was sparked by debris from an Iranian drone attack on the facility, further underscoring the widening scope of the confrontation.