Iran has kept up retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations it accuses of serving as a launchpad for US strikes on the country, which began in a joint operation with Israel on February 28.

The attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia included at least one missile and several drones, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified officials.

The soldiers were inside a building at the base when it was struck, the Journal reported.

Several aerial refuelling planes also suffered damage in the attack, the reports said.

Saudi Arabia has previously intercepted several missiles fired near the base.

The Pentagon and US Central Command did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

Thirteen US military service members have been killed since the conflict with Iran broke out, with seven killed in the Gulf and six in Iraq. More than 300 more have been wounded.

Iran's government has not released an updated casualty toll, but a US-based activist group said on March 23 that around 1,167 Iranian troops had been killed and that the status of 658 troops was unknown.

AFP is not able to independently verify tolls in Iran due to reporting restrictions.

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THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY