United States has closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and instructed non-essential staff in six other Middle Eastern countries to depart, following fresh attacks by Iran on U.S. targets.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shut for the day after drones caused a small fire and minor damage.
Later, Saudi authorities reported intercepting eight additional drones near Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
The Canadian embassy in Riyadh also closed temporarily.
Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Gulf states hosting U.S. bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
Jordan has also experienced attacks, though most strikes were intercepted before causing significant damage.
Because of the risk of further assaults, the United States Department of State ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain.
In Jordan, embassy staff briefly evacuated following a threat, while in Kuwait a drone struck the U.S. Embassy compound, prompting a temporary closure.
Meanwhile, protests in Pakistan over U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran turned deadly. More than 20 people were killed, including 10 in Karachi when crowds attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate.
The U.S. has cancelled all visa appointments in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, while the consulate in Peshawar has temporarily suspended operations.
US closes embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait as Iran steps up attacks
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