‘You’ll find out soon’: Trump warns Iran of US response after two drones hit US embassy in Riyadh

Riyadh embassy hit by drones; Trump warns of strong US retaliation

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran of a forceful response after drones struck the American Embassy in Riyadh, escalating tensions in an already volatile region.

“You (Iran) will soon find out Washington’s response to the attack on its embassy in Riyadh and to the killing of American soldiers," Trump said. “I don’t think deploying ground forces will be necessary in Iran," the US President added.

Asked whether he feared further attacks on American facilities, Trump replied, “No, it’s a part of war. It’s part of war, whether people like it or not. That’s the way it is."

The remarks followed a drone strike on the US diplomatic compound in the Saudi capital late Monday. The US State Department said two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) hit the roof and perimeter of the chancery building. Embassy staff were instructed to shelter in place, and no injuries were reported.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the compound was targeted by two drones, triggering a limited fire and causing minor structural damage. Videos circulating online showed flames and thick smoke rising from the premises.

The attack comes amid a broader exchange of missile and drone strikes between Iran and US- and Israeli-aligned forces, marking the fourth straight day of heightened hostilities. Iranian strikes have reportedly targeted Gulf states hosting American military facilities following recent US and Israeli operations against Iranian positions.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the precise circumstances of the embassy strike. A spokesperson for the US mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Following the incident, the embassy issued a shelter-in-place advisory for US citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, urging them to avoid visiting the mission until further notice.

Saudi authorities have not clarified whether the drones were intercepted or how they breached air defences over the capital. Despite the security situation, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains open. However, flight schedules have been disrupted due to regional airspace closures linked to the widening conflict.

Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar appeared largely empty on Monday, according to flight-tracking data. Several Gulf airports and airlines suspended regular operations until at least Tuesday afternoon, though limited special services resumed from the UAE late Monday.