US Embassy in Riyadh Hit by Drones as IRGC Claims “Massive Destruction” of Bahrain Airbase

The Middle East has entered its fourth day of “Open War” with a series of coordinated strikes targeting American diplomatic and military infrastructure across the Gulf. As of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has been shuttered following a direct drone attack, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have obliterated a primary U.S. command center in Bahrain.

Direct Attack on US Embassy Riyadh

Early Tuesday morning, two drones struck the roof and perimeter of the U.S. Embassy chancery in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the strike caused a “limited fire” and material damage, though the building was reportedly empty at the time. Black smoke was seen rising over the capital as Saudi air defenses intercepted an additional four drones targeting the mission.

In response, the U.S. Mission has issued an emergency “shelter in place” order for all American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, canceling all routine and emergency appointments indefinitely.

IRGC “Massive Attack” in Bahrain

In a significant escalation, the IRGC’s naval forces launched what they termed a “large-scale” operation against the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Tehran claims to have deployed 20 drones and three missiles, allegedly “destroying the base’s main command headquarters” and igniting fuel tanks. While the U.S. has not officially confirmed the extent of the damage, local reports described thick plumes of smoke rising from U.S.-run naval facilities and residential buildings in Manama.

Mass Departure Orders and Diplomatic Shutdowns

The U.S. State Department has moved into emergency mode, issuing a “DEPART NOW” directive for Americans in 15 Middle Eastern countries. Key developments include:

• Ordered Departures: Non-emergency personnel and families have been ordered to evacuate Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq.

• Embassy Closures: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has closed its doors indefinitely citing regional tensions.

• Jerusalem Paralysis: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced it is “not in a position to evacuate” Americans from Israel, with Ben Gurion Airport remaining completely shut. Citizens have been told to rely on limited land crossings to Jordan and Egypt.

Economic and Maritime Fallout

The regional disruption has reached a critical threshold. A fuel tank at Oman’s Duqm Port was struck by a drone today, shattering the Sultanate’s traditional “neutrality immunity.” President Donald Trump, speaking to media outlets, warned that the U.S. response to the embassy attacks and the deaths of American service members “would soon be made clear.”

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