Fighter jets from the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint military strikes targeting Iran proxy forces in Iraq, according to officials. The operation marks Saudi Arabia’s direct entry into the ongoing conflict, as confirmed by the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense.
US and Saudi Forces Strike Iran-Backed Proxies in Iraq
According to Centcom, the precision strikes hit multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. Cbsnews stated that the operation was carried out in response to more than 30 attempted drone attacks directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure over a three-day period.
Ballistic Missile Attack Intercepted
The joint strikes followed an attempted surprise attack by Iran. According to the U.S. military, IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East. Theguardian reported via social media that the missile launch occurred at 5:45 p.m. ET, but all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.
An Axios report cited by Theguardian indicated that the target was a U.S. base in Jordan. Cbsnews noted that U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness following the incident.
Saudi Energy Facilities Targeted
The military action comes after days of cross-border drone activity. The Apnews stated that air defenses intercepted and destroyed multiple drones trying to target petroleum facilities in the kingdom’s eastern region, including Riyadh and the Eastern Region, for two consecutive days.
In response to the initial Monday allegations, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate. The Iraqi military issued a statement emphasizing the country’s commitment to preventing its territory from being used as a route or launching point for attacks against friendly nations. Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed militias—denied any role in the drone attacks, calling the Saudi claims fabrications.
French news agency AFP quoted sources reporting that at least 10 members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iran-backed paramilitary alliance, were killed in the subsequent airstrikes.
Diplomatic Pressures and Regional Fallout
The latest flare-up threatens to disrupt diplomatic efforts. Cbsnews stated that he wants to give diplomacy a chance after a five-day lull in U.S. attacks on Iran, though uncertainty remains regarding when or if military strikes might resume. Apnews told Fox News that Iran knows he will finish the job if its leaders do not reach a deal to end the war.
Broader regional tensions persist alongside the conflict in Iraq. Theguardian has attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, demanding that commercial vessels use a route near its coastline and pay fees. Operations have also been impacted by the Houthis in Yemen, who announced a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and claimed to have forced a Saudi oil tanker to turn around.
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