A drone strike near the US Consulate in Dubai triggered a fire late Tuesday night as tensions continued to escalate across the Middle East amid Iran’s ongoing drone and missile attacks targeting American diplomatic missions.

According to officials, the drone struck a parking lot adjacent to the consulate’s chancellery building, setting off a fire that produced thick plumes of smoke visible from nearby areas. Authorities responded quickly and confirmed that all personnel at the diplomatic facility were safe.

Fire breaks out near consulate

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the incident while speaking to reporters in Washington.

“A drone unfortunately struck a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery building and then set off a fire in that place. All personnel are accounted for," he told reporters.

Videos recorded by residents and shared online showed heavy black smoke rising behind the US Consulate building. Witnesses told AFP they heard a loud bang shortly before the fire became visible.

Also Read | Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Son of Iran’s slain leader emerges as new Supreme Leader: Report

One resident said she heard an explosion and later saw flames coming from the area near the diplomatic compound.

Police quickly cordoned off surrounding roads, preventing passersby from approaching the site as emergency teams worked to contain the fire.

Authorities contain fire

The Dubai Media Office later confirmed that emergency teams had successfully brought the situation under control.

"Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained. Emergency teams responded immediately. No injuries have been reported,” the office said in a statement posted on X.

In a subsequent update, the Dubai Media Office shared images showing a mobile firefighting unit stationed outside the consulate compound.

“The fire near the US Consulate in Dubai has been fully extinguished, with no injuries reported. Dubai authorities reaffirm their commitment to ensuring everyone's safety and security,” the post added.

Attacks reported in Riyadh and Kuwait

The incident in Dubai comes shortly after similar attacks targeting US diplomatic facilities in other parts of the region.

Also Read | Passenger plane destroyed on ground by US-Israeli strike at Iran's Bushehr Airport, says report

In Riyadh, two drones struck near the US Embassy in the early hours of Tuesday, causing a small fire and minor structural damage. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said the attack resulted in "limited fire and minor material damage to the building."

Meanwhile, smoke was also seen rising from the US Embassy in Kuwait on Monday, AFP cited diplomatic sources as saying. While the embassy did not confirm a direct strike, it issued a security alert warning of an ongoing threat.

“There is a continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks over Kuwait. Do not come to the embassy,” the advisory stated.