Explosions Heard in Saudi Capital Following Iran's Announcement of Retaliation Against US

Iran has announced retaliatory strikes against 27 American military bases in the Arab region. Most recently, explosions have been heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

According to AFP, on Sunday 1 March 2026, loud explosions were heard in eastern Riyadh. The blasts occurred as Iran continued its second day of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.

Residents in eastern Riyadh reported hearing several loud blasts and seeing smoke billowing into the air. No official statement has yet been issued regarding the cause of the explosions.

Previously, the United States and Israel launched an operation codenamed “Epic Fury” against Iran on Saturday 28 February. The operation killed several Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as hundreds of other Iranian civilians.

Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March. On Saturday 28 February, Iran also launched attacks targeting Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia subsequently issued its strongest condemnation of the Iranian attacks. Saudi Arabia stated that the attacks had been successfully intercepted.

“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever, and they occurred despite Iranian authorities knowing that the Kingdom has affirmed it will not permit its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran,” stated the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.