Saudi Arabia has collaborated with the United States in conducting airstrikes against Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the operations targeted "Iran-aligned terrorists directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure." Although the specific militia was not named, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of pro-Iranian militias, reported that at least 10 of its members were killed.
This military action follows a recent barrage of ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran against American forces in the region. Centcom stated that Iran fired multiple missiles in what it described as an "attempted surprise attack" on US personnel, with all missiles successfully intercepted. Iran claimed to have targeted a US base in Jordan and reported strikes on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, US and Saudi fighter jets struck several terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. Centcom characterized these attacks as a strong retaliation to over 30 IRGC-directed drone assaults within the preceding 72 hours, emphasizing that the militia attacks were "unwarranted" and unsuccessful. The statement warned that further attacks by the IRGC and affiliated proxies would prompt additional US military responses.
The PMF condemned the US-Saudi strikes as a "dangerous escalation" and a breach of Iraqi sovereignty. These militias have previously targeted US forces in an effort to compel American withdrawal from Iraq.
On the Saudi front, the kingdom's military intercepted and destroyed drones aimed at its eastern petroleum facilities, attributing the attacks to Iran-affiliated militias operating from Iraqi territory.
This resurgence of hostilities comes shortly after a brief lull, during which US President Donald Trump mentioned "very friendly negotiations" with Iran. Prior to this pause, the US had conducted 13 consecutive nights of bombing in southern Iran, targeting tunnels and bridges, resulting in numerous casualties.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical and contentious point in the conflict, with Iran denying ongoing talks. The recent escalation has driven oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising 4.3% to $87.70 per barrel in early Asian trading, and US oil up 4.2% to $82.62.
These developments coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he met with President Trump and attended the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a noted critic of Iran.
Since US strikes against Iran began in February, over 600 US service members have been wounded, with more than 400 injuries linked to Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli campaign targeting Iranian interests.
