Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against US and allied targets across the Middle East, hitting the US embassy in Riyadh and an Australian military base in the UAE, following an Israeli strike that killed an Iranian official. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
The US embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drones early on Tuesday, causing a limited fire and minor material damage, according to Saudi Arabia's defence ministry. A loud blast was heard and flames were seen at the embassy, with black smoke rising over the diplomatic quarter. Reuters reported no injuries as the building was empty at the time.
Iranian drones also hit the Al Minhad airbase in the UAE, a logistics hub for Australia's Middle East operations. Australia's defence minister, Richard Marles, confirmed the attack but said all Australian personnel were safe. Multiple explosions and aerial interceptions have been reported near the base during the war.
In response to the escalating conflict, Japan has urged its shipowners to keep vessels away from the Persian Gulf to ensure crew safety. Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with Iran's ambassador to convey Tokyo's stance that Iran must stop attacks destabilising the region and ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for Japan's energy security.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for dozens of locations in Lebanon, including southern Beirut neighbourhoods, warning residents to stay away from buildings near Hezbollah facilities. In Israel, Jews gathered in bomb shelters to mark the holiday of Purim as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks.
