- By Ajeet Kumar
- Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Trump warns of retaliation after Riyadh embassy drone attack.
- US military personnel deaths also cited by President Trump.
- Saudi defense ministry confirms drone strike, limited damage.
US President Donald Trump told NewsNation that you'll find out soon what the retaliation will be in response to an attack on the US embassy in Riyadh and over the deaths of US military personnel during the Iran conflict, a reporter at the media outlet posted on X on Monday, citing an interview with him. The US embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, resulting in a limited fire and some material damage, the kingdom's defence ministry said in a post on X on Tuesday, citing an initial assessment.
"We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions to keep themselves and their families safe.
We advise all US citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action," the US Embassy in Riyadh posted on X.
Update | Security Alert: Shelter in Place - U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (Mar.3, 2026)
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued a shelter in place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran and are limiting non-essential travel to any military installations…
The drone attack came amid ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states that host US bases, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday.
Loud blast and flames at US Eembassy in Riyadh
A loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the US embassy in Riyadh early on Tuesday morning, three people familiar with the matter told news agency Reuters, with one person saying the fire was minor. Black smoke was seen rising over Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, which houses foreign missions.
There were no reported injuries, two of the people familiar with the matter said, given the building was empty in the early morning hours. The embassy issued a "shelter in place" notice early on Tuesday for US citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and recommended that they avoid the embassy until further notice due to the attack on the facility.
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Iranian Americans fear for relatives in their homeland as war continues
Many in the Iranian American diaspora spent several days glued to their televisions, watching the news of US and Israeli bombs falling on Iran, some clinging to hope it might bring a brighter future to their homeland but terrified their relatives will suffer in a new Middle East war with no certain end.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for decades while violently crushing dissent, was killed early in the attack. In the United States, many celebrated, some popped Champagne, some downed shots of tequila, some took to the streets to cheer the toppling of a ruler they considered a tyrant.
"We are happy, we are happy that he is gone and he can't kill our innocent people anymore," said Ava Farhadi, 33, an electrical engineer in Indiana. In January, Farhadi's family participated in protests against their government, which were met with a brutal crackdown. While her immediate family was unhurt, Farhadi said, friends and close loved ones were among the thousands killed when security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters.
Many said they are worried for their families still there and what the future holds.
(With inputs from agencies)