U.S. Embassy in Riyadh attacked as Iran retaliates against Israeli strikes

The Middle East is witnessing an unprecedented surge in hostilities as tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalate into a full-blown regional crisis.

The situation has intensified following a series of drone and missile strikes targeting diplomatic and military installations, raising global concerns over security and stability in the region.

According to Saudi authorities, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drone attacks, causing minor fires and limited structural damage. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, and no casualties were reported.

In response, the U.S. Embassy announced a temporary suspension of all consular services and routine operations in Saudi Arabia. The existing “shelter-in-place” directives for Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran remain in effect, instructing American citizens to stay in secure locations. Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has been closed until further notice.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a decisive response to the attacks would be delivered promptly, including retribution for the deaths of American soldiers.

He highlighted the United States’ extensive stockpile of medium- and upper-tier weaponry, asserting that the arsenal enables long-term strategic operations with unmatched effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Iran has targeted U.S. military bases across the Gulf region and launched missile strikes on multiple Israeli cities. Iranian media confirmed that the strikes included attacks on the office of the Israeli Prime Minister and the Israeli Air Force headquarters using Kheibar missiles. Cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and East Jerusalem were also impacted.

Israeli forces have continued military operations in Tehran and Beirut, targeting strategic sites including Iranian state-run media offices. Following these attacks, loud explosions were reported across Tehran, corroborated by Iranian media sources.

Reports from Arab media indicate that Jordan’s air defense system attempted to intercept Iranian missiles, but one missile struck a Jordanian military base, plunging the area into darkness.

Amid the escalating conflict, the U.S. State Department has issued urgent travel advisories, instructing American citizens in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen to return home immediately.

Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Marya Namdar, emphasized that the advisory is due to serious and immediate security threats in the region.

The recent strikes have claimed the lives of several high-ranking Iranian officials. Iran has retaliated with counterattacks, further fueling tensions. President Trump warned that the crisis could initially last four to five weeks but may extend depending on developments on the ground.