Saudi Arabia has collaborated with the United States in conducting airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq, marking a significant escalation in tensions across the Middle East.

According to US Central Command (Centcom), the strikes focused on "Iran-aligned terrorists" directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. While the specific militia was not named by Centcom, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of pro-Iranian militias, reported at least 10 casualties among its members.

Recent Hostilities and Responses

The attacks follow Iran's launch of multiple ballistic missiles in what Centcom described as an "attempted surprise attack" on American forces. These missiles, launched on Tuesday evening, were intercepted successfully. Iran claimed its targets included a US base in Jordan and three oil tankers in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation, US and Saudi fighter jets struck several terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. Centcom condemned over 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks against US and Saudi targets over the preceding 72 hours, labeling them "unwarranted" and warning that further attacks would provoke additional military responses.

Regional Implications

  • The PMF criticized the US-Saudi strikes as a dangerous escalation and a breach of Iraqi sovereignty.
  • Saudi Arabia's defense ministry confirmed intercepting and destroying drones aimed at its eastern petroleum facilities, attributing the attacks to Iran-affiliated militias operating from Iraqi territory.
  • The renewed conflict comes shortly after a brief lull in hostilities, during which US President Donald Trump spoke of "very friendly negotiations" with Iran.
  • Oil prices surged amid fears that continued conflict could disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
  • The strikes coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, highlighting the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.

Since February, US military personnel have sustained over 600 injuries related to ongoing operations against Iranian forces and their proxies, underscoring the persistent volatility in the region.