Iranian drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking a small fire but causing no casualties, Saudi authorities have confirmed.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said two drones hit the embassy compound in the capital’s diplomatic quarter, resulting in “minor material damage” and a limited fire that was swiftly contained. Officials added that air defence systems intercepted four additional drones aimed at the area.
Witnesses reported plumes of black smoke rising above the district, which hosts several foreign missions. According to Iran Wire, a loud explosion was heard and flames were briefly visible, though authorities stressed the incident was contained.
The embassy building was reportedly unoccupied at the time of the strike, and no injuries were recorded. Following the incident, the mission advised American citizens to avoid the compound until further notice.
The attack came shortly after a separate security incident involving the US Embassy in Kuwait, which announced it would remain closed indefinitely. In response to rising regional threats, the United States Department of State ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and family members from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Jordan.
US President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington’s response to the embassy strike and the reported killing of American service members would be made clear soon. “You’ll find out soon,” he said.
The embassy incident underscores a sharp escalation in hostilities across the Gulf, as Iran launches drone and missile attacks on countries hosting American military assets, describing the actions as retaliation for recent joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
On Monday, Saudi state oil giant Saudi Aramco shut down operations at its Ras Tanura refinery after debris from an Iranian drone attack sparked a fire at the facility, further heightening concerns over regional security and energy infrastructure.
