IRAN TARGETS US EMBASSY IN RIYADH, TRIGGERS FIRE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Saudi Arabia authorities reported that the Iran struck the United States Embassy in the early hours of Tuesday, causing a fire in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones hit the embassy compound, causing “minor material damage” and a “small fire.” Plumes of black smoke were visible over Riyadh’s diplomatic district, which hosts several foreign missions, according to Iran Wire.

The embassy was empty at the time, and no casualties were reported. Air defence systems reportedly intercepted four additional drones targeting the area. Following the attack, the embassy advised American citizens to avoid the compound.

The strike follows a separate incident at the US Embassy, which announced it would remain closed until further notice. The US State Department also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and families from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, and Jordan as a precaution.

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington’s response to the embassy attacks and the killing of American service members would be announced soon, saying, “You’ll find out soon.”

The embassy assault is part of escalating tensions in the Gulf region, where Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on countries hosting American military assets, citing retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on its territory.

Separately, Saudi Aramco shut down its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday after a fire caused by debris from an Iranian drone attack.