On March 4, Saudi Arabia's cabinet pledged to take all necessary measures to defend the kingdom and protect its territory, citizens and residents, the state news agency reported. The announcement followed an attack that struck the U.S. embassy in Riyadh and a broader wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states hosting U.S. bases. Those actions came after reported U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend. The cabinet provided no further details in its brief statement.
Saudi Cabinet Vows Firm Response After Attack on U.S. Embassy in Riyadh
Vehicles ply along a road, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 3, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Saudi Arabia's cabinet said on March 4 it will take all necessary measures to defend the kingdom and protect its territory, citizens and residents, the state news agency reported, citing a brief cabinet statement released early Wednesday.
An attack attributed to Iran struck the U.S. embassy compound in Riyadh on Tuesday amid a wider campaign of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. Those strikes followed reported U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the preceding weekend.
The cabinet's statement was concise and offered no additional operational details or an outline of specific response measures.
Context
The incidents mark a significant escalation in cross-regional tensions, involving direct strikes on diplomatic facilities and military-linked sites in the Gulf. Riyadh's vow signals that Saudi authorities are preparing to take defensive — and potentially retaliatory — action to safeguard national security.
Note: Reporting by Enas Alashray and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Nia Williams.
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