The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia suffered significant damage after a series of Iranian drone attacks, US media reported. The attacks struck the embassy building and its secure sections, causing fire that took half a day to extinguish.
According to reports, one drone hit the embassy building, creating a hole, followed by a second drone hitting the same location within a minute. The damage was far greater than initially stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Three floors of the embassy were severely damaged, and the CIA station inside the compound was also targeted. Several more drones were launched later, though they were intercepted by US missile defense systems.
A senior US diplomat’s residence near the embassy was also at risk, highlighting the precision of the Iranian attacks. Experts noted that the attacks demonstrated Iran’s ability to strike multiple targets across Riyadh.
Former CIA officer Bernard Hudsen said Iran had previously attacked Prince Sultan Air Base, targeting AWACS and refueling aircraft. The latest embassy strike confirms that US missile defenses were unable to fully prevent these attacks.
Additionally, Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted US fighter jets, including A-10, F-15, and an F-35, while also claiming to have destroyed a US helicopter in Kuwait. These reports reflect escalating tensions in the region.
The US media criticized Secretary Rubio for underestimating the extent of the damage. The attacks underline the continuing strategic threat posed by Iran in the Gulf and raise concerns about US security measures in the region.
