Reports of a large explosion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, circulated widely on social media on Saturday morning, intensifying regional anxieties already heightened by fast-moving military developments across the Middle East.
Users posted claims of explosions and possible Iranian missile strikes near the Kingdom Centre tower. However, there was no official confirmation from Saudi authorities or major international news outlets verifying any incident in Riyadh.
The reports emerged shortly after US President Donald Trump announced American combat operations against Iran alongside Israel. While blasts in Tehran were confirmed and Iranian officials vowed retaliation, no verified reports substantiated claims of an attack inside Saudi Arabia.
Iran Targets US Military Installations Across Middle East
Iran launched strikes on US military installations in the Gulf, including a naval base in Manama and the Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates.
Explosions were reported in Manama and Abu Dhabi following what Tehran described as retaliatory action in response to US-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital.
According to Bahrain, the service centre of the US Fifth Fleet was hit by an Iranian missile. Smoke was seen rising from the Juffair district, which houses the US naval base, as Manama confirmed attacks within its territory.
Iran’s military campaign extended beyond Bahrain. US bases in several countries were reportedly targeted, including:
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait
Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base in Jordan
An Iranian official told Reuters that “all US bases and interests are within Tehran’s reach.”
Qatar later confirmed intercepting two Iranian missiles. Reports suggested that Al Udeid airbase does not currently host US assets.
US-Israel Strike on Iran Sparks Wider Escalation
The latest wave of violence followed a joint US-Israel strike on Tehran, reportedly near the residential palace and offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israel initially announced the strikes, and President Trump later confirmed Washington’s participation, warning that bombs would be “dropped everywhere.”
The United States has designated its joint military action with Israel as “Operation Epic Fury,” while Israel is referring to its campaign as “Roar of the Lion,” according to officials. Iran has named its retaliatory operation “Fateh Khyber.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
