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Embassy of the United States, Riyadh

Coordinates: 24°40′53″N 46°37′17″E / 24.68139°N 46.62139°E / 24.68139; 46.62139
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Embassy of the United States, Riyadh

Map
LocationSaudi Arabia Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AddressAbdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates24°40′53″N 46°37′17″E / 24.68139°N 46.62139°E / 24.68139; 46.62139
Chargé d'affairesAlison Dilworth
Websitehttps://sa.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States, Riyadh is the embassy of the United States located in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[1]

The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is of importance due to a confluence of economic, strategic, and geopolitical factors. Central to this bond are energy interests, with Saudi Arabia being one of the world's leading oil producers and exporters.[2]

History

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Diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were officially established on February 14, 1940, after the United States recognized the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its Dependencies on May 1, 1931. The first envoy, Bert Fish, presented his credentials as U.S. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to King Abdulaziz in 1940 while being resident in Cairo, Egypt.[3]

A U.S. Legation was opened in Jeddah on May 1, 1942, with James S. Moose, Jr. serving as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. On March 18, 1949, the Legation was elevated to an Embassy as J. Rives Childs presented his credentials as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.[3]

In 1984, amid the urban development of the Kingdom's capital, the U.S. Embassy was relocated from Jeddah to Riyadh, with the Jeddah mission becoming a Consulate General.[3]

In 2026, the embassy was damaged and set on fire[4] by two Iranian drones[5] during Iran’s retaliatory attacks during the 2026 Iran conflict. The fire was reportedly limited and caused minor material damage to the building. The Embassy issued a "shelter in place" alert following the attack,[6] and closed the facility.[7]

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  • Hillary Clinton delivers remarks to U.S. Embassy staff in 2012
    Hillary Clinton delivers remarks to U.S. Embassy staff in 2012
  • John Kerry addresses embassy workers in 2016
    John Kerry addresses embassy workers in 2016
  • Rex Tillerson speaks to U.S. Embassy staff and their families in 2017
    Rex Tillerson speaks to U.S. Embassy staff and their families in 2017
  • Mike Pompeo meets with staff and families from U.S. Embassy Riyadh in 2018
    Mike Pompeo meets with staff and families from U.S. Embassy Riyadh in 2018
  • Antony J. Blinken holds a meet and greet with employees in 2023
    Antony J. Blinken holds a meet and greet with employees in 2023

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "U.S. EMBASSY & CONSULATES IN SAUDI ARABIA". Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  2. ^ Colgan, Jeff D. (2021). Partial Hegemony: Oil Politics and International Order. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/oso/9780197546376.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-754637-6.
  3. ^ a b c "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Saudi Arabia". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Fulton, Adam; Campbell, Lucy; Lawther, Fran; Ambrose, Tom; Lowe, Yohannes; Campbell, Adam Fulton (now); Lucy; Lowe (earlier), Yohannes (March 3, 2026). "Middle East crisis live: Israel launches further attacks on Iran and Beirut as US urges citizens to evacuate region". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 3, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Hansler, Jennifer (March 3, 2026). "Trump warns Iran about larger strikes as US urges Americans to depart region". CNN News. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  6. ^ Falconer, Rebecca (March 3, 2026). "Iran targets U.S. allies, hits American Embassy in Riyadh". Axios.
  7. ^ Zhuang, Yan (March 3, 2026). "U.S. Closes Embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait". New York Times.
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