RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Iranian missiles and drones struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, wounding at least 10 U.S. service members, two of them seriously, and damaging several American refueling aircraft, U.S. officials said.
The attack targeted the base, which hosts U.S. troops and air assets supporting regional operations. Officials familiar with the situation said the strike involved at least one ballistic missile and multiple unmanned drones. The wounded troops received initial treatment at the base, with the two most seriously injured evacuated for further care. It was not immediately clear how many aircraft were affected or the extent of the damage.
The incident occurred amid the ongoing conflict that escalated after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. Iran has responded with 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 Patriot missile defense systems.
Iran has maintained 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. The country has allowed only limited approved transits while issuing threats against vessels linked to adversaries. President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, citing backchannel discussions.
U.S. troop levels in the region have increased recently, with additional deployments of Marines and preparations for Army units. The strike follows Israeli 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 detailed public assessment of the casualties or damage. Saudi authorities had not issued an official comment on the attack. The Pentagon continued to monitor Iranian activity and support medical care for the injured while assessing defensive measures at bases in the region. Diplomatic contacts through intermediaries remained active amid the broader conflict.
