Trump vows retaliation ‘soon’ over Iran’s drone attack on US embassy
Quick Read
The embassy was struck on Monday by two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that hit the roof and perimeter of the consulate, the US State Department confirmed. In addition, eight drones were intercepted near Riyadh and Al-Kharj, according to the Saudi Defense Ministry.
US President Donald Trump has promised “revenge soon” following drone attacks on the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which coincided with the deaths of six American service members in Iran.
The embassy was struck on Monday by two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that hit the roof and perimeter of the consulate, the US State Department confirmed. In addition, eight drones were intercepted near Riyadh and Al-Kharj, according to the Saudi Defense Ministry.
Trump, speaking to News Nation, said the US was inflicting “tremendous damage” on Iranian targets but does not see the need for ground troops. “We’re doing a lot of damage. We’re setting them back a lot. You’ll find out very soon what the retaliation will be,” he said.
The president described US operations as “ahead of schedule” and suggested that moves to determine Iran’s leadership are progressing rapidly. Trump also downplayed risks of attacks on American soil or bases abroad, calling them “part of war.”
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region following preemptive US attacks on Iran in coordination with Israel. The Department of State has advised all Americans in 15 Middle Eastern countries to evacuate immediately, warning of a “major uptick” in Iranian retaliation.
Eyewitnesses reported explosions and smoke over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, home to foreign embassies and residences. The Saudi Defense Ministry said the strikes caused a minor fire and limited material damage.
Iran has already responded with attacks on Gulf states, killing six US soldiers and targeting an American-allied fuel tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed, warning that any ship attempting passage would face attack. Meanwhile, Qatar shot down two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets and intercepted several missiles and drones.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress the preemptive strikes were necessary to prevent imminent Iranian retaliation after Israel planned an attack. “We went proactively in a defensive way to prevent them from inflicting higher damage,” he said, noting that five American soldiers have died so far in combat.
Comments