Iran strikes US embassy in Saudi Arabia

Iran launched a drone attack on the United States embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, early Tuesday, causing a fire and minor material damage. 

According to the Saudi ministry of defence, two drones hit the embassy compound in the capital’s diplomatic district.

Plumes of black smoke were reported, and a loud blast was heard at the site, although the fire was limited in scale.

The embassy building was empty at the time, and no casualties were reported.

Air defence systems intercepted four additional drones targeting the diplomatic quarter during the assault.

Following the attack, the US embassy urged American citizens to avoid the area.

The strike comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, with Iran conducting drone and missile attacks in retaliation for recent joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.

On Monday, Saudi Aramco had to shut down its Ras Tanura oil refinery after debris from an Iranian drone sparked a fire.

In response to the rising threat, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and families from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, and Jordan.

President Donald Trump said Washington’s response to the attacks would be announced soon.