The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified Tuesday after Saudi officials confirmed that two drones struck the U.S. embassy compound in Riyadh. The development marks a sharp expansion of hostilities now entering their third day.
Six U.S. service members have been confirmed killed in action. In a separate incident, three U.S. F-15 fighter jets went down over Kuwait in what officials described as an apparent friendly fire ঘটনা. No casualties were reported in that crash.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House in his first public remarks since fighting began, described the operation as decisive. He said the campaign “was our last, best chance to strike,” adding that it could last four to five weeks, but potentially extend “far longer than that.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored executive authority, stating that Trump “has all the latitude in the world” in determining the duration of military action.
Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery was hit by a drone, raising concerns about global energy supply. Oil prices climbed sharply while gold rose as investors sought safer assets. Equity markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia moved lower, and thousands of flights have been canceled since hostilities began.
The U.S. State Department has urged Americans in 14 countries to “depart now.” Congress is expected to vote this week on a resolution addressing presidential war powers related to Iran.
According to Iranian media cited by Reuters, a Revolutionary Guards commander claimed the Strait of Hormuz was closed and warned Iran would set any ship attempting to pass on fire.