A drone targeted the CIA station in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, further igniting tensions in the Middle East after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
According to US and Western media reports, a suspected Iranian drone struck a CIA station in the Saudi capital Riyadh. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the drone strike.
Meanwhile, he stated that all personnel at the US consulate in Dubai were accounted for and emphasised that the United States had already initiated a precautionary drawdown of staff from diplomatic facilities across the region.
Security Measures Intensified Across Gulf
Rubio said the staff reduction reflected mounting security concerns as hostilities between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran escalated. Meanwhile, local authorities in Dubai swiftly responded to the blaze and brought the fire under control.
Expatriates from various countries shared videos on social media showing flames and smoke rising near the US consulate. Many described the incident as unprecedented, saying they never expected to witness such an attack in the Gulf.
The reported strike in Riyadh also raised serious questions about the security of sensitive intelligence installations in the region, although officials have yet to release detailed assessments.
UAE and Kuwait Face Heightened Risks
Notably, analysts say the UAE and Kuwait have faced the most significant fallout from Iran’s retaliatory measures among Gulf states. Both countries host US and other Western military forces, which may increase their exposure to potential counterstrikes.
As tensions continue to mount, regional governments have reinforced security around diplomatic missions and military installations, fearing further escalation.
