DUBAI – An Iranian missile attack wounded 12 U.S. service members and damaged several aircraft at a base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, according to U.S. media reports citing defense officials.
The strike on Prince Sultan Air Base involved both ballistic missiles and unmanned drones, according to an official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The attack destroyed multiple U.S. refueling planes stationed at the facility.
Attack Details and Casualties
According to The Wall Street Journal, two American soldiers sustained serious injuries in the strike. Initial reports indicated at least 10 troops were wounded, with the count later revised to 12.
The official confirmed that several U.S. military aircraft sustained damage during the attack. The full extent of the destruction remains under investigation by military authorities.
Military Assessment of the Strike
Pentagon officials have yet to release a detailed statement regarding the attack. The strike marks one of the most significant direct hits on U.S. military personnel in the region during recent hostilities.
Defense analysts say the precision of the attack suggests Iran utilized advanced targeting capabilities to strike specific infrastructure at the base.
Trump Administration's Mixed Signals
The attack comes as President Donald Trump has sent conflicting messages regarding the conflict with Iran. The president has publicly stated that peace talks are progressing, a claim Iranian officials have denied.
Simultaneously, the administration has escalated military operations, including strikes targeting critical civilian infrastructure in Iran.
Increased U.S. Military Presence
The U.S. Navy has deployed additional warships to the Persian Gulf region. The 82nd Airborne Division has sent thousands of troops to reinforce American forces stationed throughout the Middle East.
These deployments contradict statements from the White House suggesting imminent diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Regional Conflict Intensifies
Hours after the Saudi base strike, Iranian state media reported that two nuclear facilities in Iran had come under attack. Israel's military confirmed that Iran launched missiles at Israeli territory on Friday.
Israeli forces focused attacks on weapons production facilities located in central Tehran, according to statements from Israel Defense Forces.
Humanitarian Impact
The United Nations International Organization for Migration reported that 82,000 civilian structures in Iran have been damaged, including hospitals and residential buildings affecting approximately 180,000 people.
Casualty figures remain staggering, with authorities reporting over 1,100 deaths in Lebanon and more than 1,900 killed in Iran since hostilities escalated.
Meanwhile, President Trump announced plans for Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize diplomatic relations once the conflict concludes, though no timeline has been specified for such an agreement.
