Iranian drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, causing a minor fire and prompting the diplomatic mission to advise Americans to keep their distance from the compound. The attack followed a strike on the US embassy in Kuwait as Iran continued to target US bases, facilities and personnel in Arab Gulf states.
The drone strike came as Israel launched an extensive wave of airstrikes in Tehran and issued evacuation orders for areas around an airport in Karaj. Israel also announced that ground troops had entered southern Lebanon in what it described as a cautionary move to protect residents of northern Israel. In response, the deputy head of Hezbollah's political council declared an 'open war' with Israel.
US President Donald Trump rejected any dialogue with Tehran, stating on his Truth Social platform: 'Their air defense, Air Force, Navy and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said "Too Late!"' He claimed the US was prepared 'to go far longer' than a four to five-week war against Iran.
The conflict has expanded rapidly to include at least nine countries and various pro-Iran groups. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war against Iran could take 'some time' but would not be 'an endless war'. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that 'the hardest hits are yet to come'.
