RIYADH: The United States Embassy in Riyadh warned on Tuesday of an imminent missile and drone attack over the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran, as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
“There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran,” the embassy said in a post on its official X account.
Security Alert: Threat of Imminent Missile / UAV Attacks Over Dhahran (Mar. 3, 2026)https://t.co/8CDtwIu1Zp
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
Dhahran is home to key Saudi energy installations along the Gulf coast and lies close to major oil infrastructure in the kingdom’s Eastern Province.
Iran targets US embassy in Riyadh
The warning follows an earlier drone strike targeting the Embassy of the United States in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the Iranian attack on the US diplomatic compound.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the flagrant Iranian attack that targeted the U.S. Embassy building in Riyadh,” the Saudi foreign ministry stated.
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the flagrant Iranian attack that targeted the U.S. Embassy building in Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/pzSSEUEiyO
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 3, 2026
The Saudi Defence Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
The attack caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the embassy building. No injuries were reported.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to take all measures to defend itself and its interests, including the right to respond.
Reports from early Tuesday described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located.
Embassy operations suspended
The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert covering Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.
It announced that it would remain closed and that all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments had been cancelled.
A shelter-in-place notice remains in effect. American citizens were advised to avoid embassy premises until further notice.
The embassy urged travellers to review the latest security alerts, reconsider travel plans in light of possible disruptions.
Earlier, after the Riyadh drone strike, the embassy had advised Americans in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran to shelter indoors.
US embassies across Middle East on alert
As the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies, US diplomatic missions across the Middle East have shifted to emergency operations.
In Kuwait, the US Embassy in Kuwait City instructed personnel and American citizens to shelter indoors amid continued threats of missile and drone activity.
The embassy warned residents to avoid approaching the compound, remain inside, stay away from windows and monitor official alerts.
The US Embassy in Bahrain has suspended normal operations. Security notices urged individuals to seek shelter indoors and remain alert, warning that civilian locations could be at risk.
In Qatar, the embassy issued similar guidance.
Americans were told to shelter in place and prepare for potential disruptions, including keeping essential supplies on hand.
In Jordan, the US Embassy warned that missiles, rockets or drones could enter Jordanian airspace as the conflict unfolds.
Americans were urged to remain vigilant and be ready to seek shelter if sirens or official warnings were issued.
US travel advisory
In Israel, where hostilities are directly linked to the broader confrontation with Iran, the US Embassy advised Americans to review their personal security plans.
It said its ability to assist with departures could be limited under current conditions and urged citizens to follow official guidance closely.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has expanded regional travel advisories.
It urged Americans in several Middle Eastern countries to consider departing due to the deteriorating security environment.
