New Delhi, March 3 -- Explosions were heard in Riyadh early Tuesday as the conflict involving Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces continued to escalate across the Gulf and broader Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry confirmed that two drones struck the United States Department of State embassy in Riyadh, causing a small fire at the diplomatic compound. No injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied at the time of the attack.

In Qatar early Tuesday, military forces intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting areas within the country, according to the Qatari defence ministry. Officials said the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their operations against Iran-linked targets, ...