Iran has hit the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, causing a fire.

According to Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry, two drones struck the embassy compound early Tuesday, inflicting “minor material damage” and “a small fire”.

Plumes of black smoke were visible rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic area, which includes numerous international offices.

A loud burst was heard, and flames were observed at the scene, however police said the fire was small in scope.

The embassy was apparently vacant at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.

During the attack, air defence systems reportedly intercepted four drones aimed at the diplomatic area.

The embassy then advised Americans to avoid the facility.

The strike came after a separate incident at the US Embassy in Kuwait, which declared that it would stay closed until further notice.

In addition, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency officials and families from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, and Jordan as precautions.

US President Donald Trump told reporters that the administration’s response to the embassy attack and the deaths of American military men will be known soon.

“You’ll find out soon,” he said.

The embassy attack occurred amid an intensification of tensions in the Gulf area.

Iran has begun drone and missile assaults on targets in nations hosting American military forces, claiming they are in retribution for joint US-Israeli raids on its territory.

On Monday, Saudi Aramco, the state-owned Saudi Arabian company, had to shut down its Ras Tanura oil refinery following a fire sparked by debris from an Iranian drone attack on the facility.