Mon. Mar 9th, 2026

Day: March 3, 2026

US embassy in Riyadh struck as Iran retaliates, Trump vows escalation Drone strikes hit the US embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, part of a wave of Iranian attacks on industrial and diplomatic targets across the Middle East that prompted Washington to urge its citizens to evacuate the region immediately. AFP reporters in the Saudi capital observed smoke damage on the walls and roof of the embassy compound, four days after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and ignited a regional war. Saudi security forces flooded the diplomatic quarter, checking IDs and blocking roads leading to the US mission. The escalation unfolded on multiple fronts overnight. Tehran was shaken by powerful explosions as fighter jets flew overhead, with President Donald Trump threatening to extend the conflict. The US State Department had warned Americans on Monday to “DEPART NOW” from all Middle Eastern countries due to “serious safety risks.” In Lebanon, Israel announced it was seizing new forward positions after Hezbollah launched missiles in support of Iran, drawing fierce Israeli bombardment. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed forces were authorized “to advance and take control of additional strategic positions” to protect border communities. The Lebanese army subsequently redeployed troops in the south, citing Israeli escalation, while Hezbollah claimed strikes on three Israeli bases. Saudi Arabia’s military raised its readiness levels following multiple Iranian attacks, with a source close to the army warning of possible retaliation if oil infrastructure is targeted. Authorities reported intercepting eight drones in two cities, though two breached defences to strike the US embassy, sparking a fire. In Fujairah, UAE, debris from downed drones ignited a blaze at an oil facility, later contained. The conflict sent shockwaves through global markets, with Brent crude prices jumping at European open. A Revolutionary Guards general underscored the economic threat, vowing to “burn any ship that tries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.” At the White House, Trump outlined the operation’s objectives—destroying Iran’s missiles, navy, and nuclear programme—while warning strikes could continue for weeks or months. He refused to rule out ground troops “if they were necessary” and vowed Iran would “find out soon” how he would retaliate for the Riyadh embassy attack.

By Dele Fashomi 6 days ago

Drone strikes hit the US embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, part of a wave of