RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Iranian missiles and drones struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, wounding at least 12 U.S. service members, two of them seriously, and damaging several American refueling aircraft, U.S. officials said.
The combined missile and drone attack targeted the base, located about 60 miles southeast of Riyadh, which hosts U.S. troops and air assets supporting regional operations. The wounded troops received medical treatment at the base, with the two most seriously injured evacuated for further care. Officials reported that the strike involved ballistic missiles and unmanned drones, marking one of the more significant breaches of air defenses in the monthlong conflict.
The incident occurred as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran reached its one-month mark. The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. Iran has responded with repeated missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied positions across the Middle East. Prince Sultan Air Base has served as a key hub for U.S. forces, including air operations and missile defense systems.
Iran has continued restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since early March, sharply reducing traffic in the waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil trade. Only limited approved transits have been reported, with major shipping companies suspending operations in the area. The disruptions have contributed to higher global oil prices and affected energy markets worldwide.
U.S. troop levels in the region have increased in recent weeks, with additional deployments including Marines and Army units. President Donald Trump has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, citing backchannel discussions, while warning of potential further action against Iranian energy infrastructure. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on targets in Tehran and other parts of Iran earlier in the week.
As of Saturday, U.S. Central Command had not released a full public assessment of the casualties or damage. The total number of U.S. service members wounded in the conflict has surpassed 300, with some already returned to duty. Saudi authorities had not issued an official comment on the attack. The Pentagon continued to monitor the situation and support care for the injured while diplomatic contacts through intermediaries remained active.
