Jerusalem / Tehran / Beirut: Iran launched a large-scale missile offensive late at night, targeting six United States military bases across the Middle East along with several Israeli cities. Meanwhile, a fire broke out at the US Embassy in Riyadh after two drones struck the diplomatic compound.
According to international media reports, Iranian forces targeted American bases in Bahrain, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. In addition, missiles were fired towards multiple Israeli cities.
Iranian media claimed that the office of the Israeli Prime Minister and the headquarters of the Israeli Air Force were also targeted using “Khyber” missiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and East Jerusalem.
US Embassy in Riyadh Hit by Drones
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, causing partial damage and triggering a fire. However, no casualties were reported as the building had been evacuated.
US President Donald Trump warned that a strong response would follow. He said the retaliation would include action over the deaths of American soldiers.
6 US Soldiers Killed: CENTCOM
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that six American soldiers were killed in the Iranian attacks. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the remains of two previously missing soldiers had also been recovered. They were killed during the initial wave of Iranian strikes.
Rising Civilian Death Toll in Iran
A Washington-based human rights organization reported that at least 85 civilians and 11 military personnel were killed in the past 24 hours.
Since February 28, when US-Israeli strikes began, at least 742 civilians have lost their lives in Iran. Among them were 176 children, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Israel Issues Evacuation Warning in Lebanon
The Israeli military issued urgent evacuation notices for residents in 59 areas of southern Lebanon. It warned civilians to immediately leave their homes, especially in villages named in the advisory, as military action is expected soon.
Australia Confirms Personnel Safe in UAE
Australia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces targeted a US military gathering in Dubai. The spokesperson said Australian troops stationed at Al Minhad Air Base were safe. Around 100 Australian personnel are currently deployed in the Middle East, most of them in the UAE.
Qatar Claims Interception of Missiles
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense stated that 101 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 39 drones entered its airspace. The country’s air defense system intercepted 98 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 24 drones mid-air.
Rubio Briefs Congress
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers at Capitol Hill that Israel was preparing to strike Iran. He said if the US had not adopted a defensive posture, American casualties could have been higher.
However, Congressman Joaquin Castro said Israel had pushed the US into danger by escalating tensions instead of preventing war.
UAE, Qatar Call for De-escalation
According to Bloomberg, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have urged allies to help reduce tensions. They want President Trump to support diplomatic efforts and prevent further escalation. Both countries aim to stop the conflict from spreading and to avoid a surge in global energy prices.
The situation across the Middle East remains highly volatile, with fears that the conflict could expand further in the coming days.
