A facility used by the Central Intelligence Agency inside the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has reportedly been targeted in an alleged Iranian drone attack. according to sources cited by Reuters. The incident came amid rising tension as the United States and Israel continue airstrikes against Iran while Tehran retaliates against American allies across the Middle East.
Drone attack hits US embassy in Riyadh
According to reports from the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the American embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was hit by two drones. The attack caused a small fire and minor structural damage to the embassy compound. Images circulating online show smoke rising from the site shortly after the accident.
Although the target reportedly included a CIA operating base located within the embassy compound, a former CIA officer familiar with operations in the region said such attacks were unlikely to significantly disrupt intelligence activities.
Part of a larger regional escalation
The attack is part of a larger wave of retaliatory attacks linked to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Since February 28, when US and Israeli forces began large-scale operations against Iran, more than 1,250 Iranian targets have been hit, according to US Central Command.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against several countries hosting US forces or allied infrastructure, including:
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
Gulf and regional reactions
Following the escalation, the United States temporarily closed its embassies in Riyadh, as well as diplomatic missions in Lebanon and Kuwait starting March 3. American citizens have been advised to avoid these locations until further notice. Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed that four US soldiers were killed in a separate Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on March 1.
Saudi Arabia has publicly called for diplomatic solutions to prevent a full-scale war between Washington and Tehran. However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately expressed support for US military actions against Iran in conversations with former US President Donald Trump, The Washington Post reported.
The Saudi government said it would be needed “all necessary measures” to protect its territory, citizens and residents. Meanwhile, Pakistan has warned Iran about its defense pact with Saudi Arabia signed in September 2025. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Tehran was informed about the deal after the recent attacks on Saudi territory.
Dar also noted that around 2.5 million Pakistani citizens live in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about regional stability if the conflict escalates.
Sources: 24 hours
