The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was struck by drone attacks Tuesday, as President Donald Trump suggested military operations against Iran could extend beyond the initially projected four-to-five-week timeframe. The attacks on the Saudi Arabian capital came as Israeli forces simultaneously launched strikes on Beirut and Tehran, escalating a regional conflict that has already disrupted global travel and raised concerns about energy prices.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry reported that two drones hit the embassy complex, causing a limited fire and minor damage. The embassy subsequently urged Americans to avoid the facility, according to a post on X. A similar attack targeted the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait on Monday, prompting the State Department to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family members from Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, citing “safety risks.”
The escalating violence prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a stark warning to American citizens across the Middle East: “DEPART NOW” using any available commercial transportation, as reported by US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs Mora Namdar on X.
Israeli military operations are now including ground forces in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah militants after the group launched missiles and drones into Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated on X that it was “conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut.” At least 50 people have been reported killed in strikes on Lebanon so far, according to authorities.
The conflict is already impacting international travel. Dublin Airport Authority’s Graeme McQueen warned of “another day of disruption,” with 16 flights cancelled Tuesday and more anticipated for Wednesday, affecting approximately 15,000 passengers since Saturday. Airlines are struggling to rebook passengers due to the uncertain duration of airspace closures, with some travelers seeking alternative routes through the United States to reach destinations like Australia.
The Irish government is monitoring the situation closely. Tanaiste Simon Harris stated there has been “no change” to Ireland’s security status, while Minister of State Neale Richmond indicated the government is considering all options for repatriating Irish citizens from the Gulf region. Approximately 22,000 to 23,000 Irish citizens are registered as being in the region, with helplines established by the Irish embassy in Abu Dhabi to coordinate assistance.
Defence Forces spokesperson Commandant Alex Quigley confirmed that Irish troops serving with UNIFIL in South Lebanon are “all well and accounted for,” with ongoing operations and protective measures in place to address the heightened volatility.
The conflict is also raising economic concerns. Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed disappointment at rising fuel and energy costs, following warnings that petrol, diesel, electricity, and home-heating oil could surge due to disruptions to key shipping lanes. Economist Charlie Weston estimates diesel and petrol prices could increase by up to 70 cent per litre.
Government ministers are scheduled to receive an update today on the latest advice for Irish citizens in the Middle East from Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reports at least 787 people have been killed in Iran by the US-Israeli campaign, with over 130 cities attacked. Eleven people have died in Israel, and 31 in Lebanon, according to authorities.
The U.S. Administration has not ruled out the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran, while President Trump’s comments suggest a willingness to sustain military operations for an indefinite period. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas, has been closed by Iran, further exacerbating global economic anxieties.
