Two drones struck the United States embassy compound in Riyadh on Tuesday, causing minor damage and a limited fire, Saudi authorities said, as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran intensified across West Asia.
A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said the incident led to “minor material damage” to the building. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The developments come amid a widening conflict that began on Saturday after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial attacks, sharply escalating tensions in the region.
U.S. urges citizens to leave region
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday advised American citizens in more than a dozen West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, to depart immediately using commercial flights due to what it described as serious security risks. The advisory also covered Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Bahrain and the Palestinian territories.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said the department was operating a 24-hour helpline for Americans seeking assistance.
Trump signals prolonged conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that military operations against Iran could extend beyond a month, adding that Washington was prepared for a sustained campaign.
“From the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have the capability to go far longer than that,” he said, according to international media reports. Trump said the objectives included dismantling Iran’s missile systems, naval assets and nuclear programme, as well as curbing Tehran’s support for armed groups in the region.
The U.S. military said it had struck more than 1,250 targets in the first 48 hours of operations, including command centres, ballistic missile sites and naval vessels.
Strikes across the region
Israel said it had attacked and dismantled the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, in Tehran, alleging links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran, in turn, warned that the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil transit route — had been closed to shipping and threatened to target vessels attempting to pass through the waterway.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Iranian forces had struck the Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai, where Australian troops are stationed. He said personnel were safe.
Iranian media also reported the death of Mansoureh Khojasteh, Khamenei’s wife, who had reportedly been hospitalised following Saturday’s strikes.
Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, said it had fired rockets and drones at Israel in response to Khamenei’s killing. Israel said it responded with air strikes in Lebanon.
The Iranian Red Crescent said at least 555 people had been killed across Iran in two days of hostilities.
India calls for restraint
India on Saturday said it was “deeply concerned” by the escalating situation in Iran and the Gulf region. The Ministry of External Affairs urged all sides to exercise restraint and prioritise civilian safety.
“Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions,” the ministry said.
Indian missions in Tehran and Tel Aviv have issued advisories asking Indian nationals to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Officials said embassies were in contact with members of the Indian community.
Tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have centred on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Israel has long alleged that Iran is close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, a claim Tehran denies, maintaining that its programme is for civilian purposes.
The latest escalation follows months of strain and intermittent hostilities. In June, Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire after nearly two weeks of exchanges, though both sides later accused each other of violations.
Following Khamenei’s death, senior cleric Alireza Arafi was appointed to Iran’s interim leadership council pending the selection of a new supreme leader under constitutional procedures.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts yet to yield signs of de-escalation.