'Imminent' missile, UAV attack threat in Saudi eastern province, warns US consulate

The United States Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia have issued an urgent security alert warning of an "imminent threat" of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks over Dhahran in the Kingdom's Eastern Province.

In a statement published on its official website and X (formerly Twitter) account today (3 March), the US Consulate in Dhahran advised American citizens to immediately seek shelter and avoid travelling to the consulate premises.

"There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the US Consulate. Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside," the advisory stated.

The consulate urged US nationals in Dhahran to shelter in place, review their security plans in the event of an attack, and remain vigilant in case of additional strikes.

It also confirmed that consulate personnel are currently sheltering in place as a precautionary measure.

Authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the source of the threat or any confirmed incidents.

Meanwhile, Israel says it has carried out fresh air strikes on Iran's "leadership compound" in Tehran, including the presidential office, as the reported death toll from ongoing US-Israeli attacks rose to 787.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said its air force dropped "numerous munitions" on the Presidential Office and the Supreme National Security Council complex, reports BBC.

It added that a military training institution and "additional key regime infrastructure" were also targeted.

According to the IDF, the compound had been used by Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed over the weekend in joint US-Israeli strikes.

Earlier on 28 February, Israel launched a "pre-emptive" attack against Iran.

The attack pushes the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dims hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West.

This new Israeli strike comes after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day air war in June last year.

It follows repeated US-Israeli warnings that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Iran responded with a wave of counterattacks, targeting Israel and US military assets across the Middle East.

The strikes came weeks after a wave of anti-government protests were violently put down in a crackdown that killed thousands.

Protesters had again taken to the streets in recent days in remembrance of those killed the previous month.