The United States Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drones on Tuesday in an attack attributed to Iran, according to Saudi authorities.
Officials said the unmanned aerial vehicles hit the diplomatic compound located in the capital’s Diplomatic Quarter, sparking a limited fire and causing minor structural damage. No casualties were immediately reported.
Following the incident, the embassy suspended both routine and emergency consular services in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran. Staff and visitors were directed to shelter in place as a precautionary measure.
“Avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility,” the mission said in a statement, urging American citizens in the area to maintain heightened security awareness.
Iran has not formally claimed responsibility for the strike. However, the incident comes amid escalating regional tensions, including ongoing military exchanges involving Iranian and Israeli forces.
The US State Department subsequently updated its travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries, warning of serious security risks. Non-emergency US government personnel were ordered to depart Iraq, and additional restrictions were imposed on official movement in Baghdad.
Security analysts caution that attacks targeting diplomatic missions could broaden the scope of the conflict and potentially provoke retaliatory actions.
In response, Saudi Arabia has reinforced security around foreign diplomatic missions across the kingdom. US officials said they are closely monitoring the situation.
The situation remains fluid, with regional and global leaders calling for restraint to prevent further escalation.
