Iranian Attack On US Embassy In Riyadh Caused More Damage Than Disclosed. Here's How It Happened

An Iranian drone attack on the United States Embassy in Riyadh last month caused significantly more damage than previously acknowledged, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing current and former American officials.

The March 3 strike demonstrated Iran’s ability to penetrate heavily protected US diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over the vulnerability of American assets in the region amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.

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HOW IRAN STRUCK US EMBASSY IN RIYADH LAST MONTH

According to the report, the attack took place around 1.30 am when an Iranian drone evaded air defence systems guarding Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter and struck the American embassy

compound.

Officials said a second drone entered through the breach created by the first explosion and detonated inside the complex, causing extensive structural damage.

The nighttime strikes reportedly impacted a secure section of the embassy that would typically host several hundred personnel during working hours.

The report mentioned that three floors of the building sustained heavy damage, including areas linked to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) station.

Officials familiar with the matter told the publication that parts of the facility were rendered irrecoverable after a fire burned for nearly half a day.

MORE DAMAGE THAN DISCLOSED

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry had initially described the incident as causing only minor damage and a limited fire.

However, officials cited by WSJ said the scale of destruction was more serious than publicly disclosed.

Former CIA counterterrorism chief Bernard Hudson told the publication that the strike illustrated Iran’s capability to deploy domestically produced weapons over long distances and accurately hit high-value targets.

“There’s been a complete blackout on the actual amount of damage done to these places,” Hudson said, referring to US diplomatic and military installations targeted in recent attacks.

MULTIPLE TARGETS AND CONTINUED DRONE THREATS

The report stated that additional drones were intercepted later that night, with debris falling near a preschool.

One of the intercepted drones was believed to be targeting the residence of the highest-ranking US diplomat in Saudi Arabia, located close to the embassy compound.

The report noted that the attack could have resulted in large-scale casualties had it occurred during daytime working hours.

Instead, officials said the strike served as a signal of Iran’s ability to target American personnel and infrastructure in locations previously considered secure.

Since the beginning of the war, Iran and allied groups have launched drones and missiles at US embassies, consulates and military bases across the Gulf region, including in Baghdad, Dubai, Kuwait City and Erbil, according to the report.

While most attacks on diplomatic facilities did not result in fatalities, strikes on bases have killed seven US troops and injured hundreds more, causing extensive damage to aircraft and military equipment.

The report also stated that Iran targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging aircraft, including an E-3 AWACS radar plane and refuelling tankers, with around a dozen US personnel wounded in the strike.

WAR ESCALATION CONTINUES AMID STRAIT OF HORMUZ TENSIONS

The conflict has intensified since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint bombardments on Iranian targets.

In the latest, US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz or face further attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Trump issued a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reach a deal, warning of severe consequences if Tehran fails to comply.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply passes.

Iran has warned that further escalation could destabilise the entire region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran remained open in principle to negotiations mediated by Pakistan but emphasised that any agreement must bring a lasting end to what Iran described as an “illegal war”.

Iranian forces have claimed to have downed US aircraft, including an F-15E fighter jet, while a separate A-10 aircraft was also hit in another incident.

US officials confirmed search and rescue operations for missing personnel following the strikes.

IRAN DEMONSTRATES CONTINUED STRIKE CAPABILITY

Despite more than 20,000 airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, senior leadership and production facilities, WSJ reported that Tehran retains the capacity to strike sensitive American assets across the region.

Iranian forces have launched drones and missiles targeting US radar installations, bases and infrastructure linked to American interests in Gulf countries.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also claimed to have deployed newly developed air defence systems capable of targeting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

The WSJ report noted that the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, which houses numerous foreign missions and expatriate residents, has long been considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in Saudi Arabia.

However, the recent strike has raised concerns over the effectiveness of air defence coverage for diplomatic missions, which rely on host nations for protection.

The US State Department has said it does not discuss specific security measures for overseas missions, but confirmed it is monitoring threats against locations frequented by American citizens.

Additionally, US authorities have advised citizens in Saudi Arabia to avoid hotels, US-linked businesses and educational institutions that could be potential targets.