US, Saudi Arabia Launch Fresh Strikes After Iran Attack
The United States and Saudi Arabia have launched coordinated airstrikes on targets in Iraq after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East, ending a brief pause in hostilities.
The US military said the missiles, which were reportedly aimed at an American military base in Jordan, were intercepted before reaching their target.
Washington described the attack as a surprise assault and warned that any further strikes on US troops or Saudi Arabia’s energy facilities would draw a stronger response.
Following the missile attack, US and Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on sites in Iraq believed to be used by Iran-backed militias.
Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) confirmed that the strikes left several people dead and others injured.
The latest escalation has also rattled global oil markets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly violating maritime regulations, raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
Brent crude prices climbed to about $88 per barrel following the developments.
The renewed fighting comes just days after both sides appeared to have eased hostilities, raising hopes that diplomatic efforts could help end the conflict.
However, Tuesday’s exchange has reignited fears of a wider regional war.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered an investigation into allegations that armed groups operating within Iraq launched drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten neighboring countries.
Iran-backed militias have denied carrying out the drone attacks, insisting the accusations are unfounded.
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have instead claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi-linked targets and continue to threaten shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The latest developments unfolded as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Both leaders described the meeting as productive, even as tensions across the Middle East continue to rise.
