US-Saudi Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq Escalate Tensions
On July 29, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint airstrikes against Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, killing at least 20 and wounding 32 across seven provinces. The strikes, coordinated with US Central Command, retaliated against drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and US forces. Iran’s IRGC responded by attacking Jordan. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned the violation of sovereignty, canceled a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and faces pressure to disarm militias, risking broader regional conflict.
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Iran resumes missile attacks as U.S. and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq
On July 29, 2026, Iran launched ballistic missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a key U.S. military hub, which Jordan intercepted. This came after the U.S. and Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes in eastern Iraq against Iran-backed Iraqi militias, killing at least 20 fighters and wounding 32 others. Six Iranian advisers were also reported killed. The strikes were in response to alleged drone attacks by Iraqi militias on Saudi oil facilities. The escalation raised fears of a return to all-out war and complicated ceasefire efforts. Oil prices jumped 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel. Mediators continue efforts to restore calm.
At least 20 killed in U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq: former paramilitaries
On July 29, 2026, U.S.-Saudi airstrikes targeted Iran-backed militants in Iraq, killing at least 20 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a former paramilitary alliance now integrated into the Iraqi armed forces. The strikes hit PMF bases in seven provinces and wounded 32 others. The United States and Saudi Arabia said the strikes were in response to attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi oil facilities, including drone interceptions by Riyadh. The PMF condemned the strikes as a 'dangerous escalation' and a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. Iran-backed groups denied Saudi accusations of involvement. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Iraq caught as a proxy battleground. Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has faced challenges in disarming pro-Iran groups amid U.S. pressure.
Read sourceSaudi Arabia joins US airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, expanding wartime footprint
Saudi Arabia announced it conducted airstrikes in coordination with US Central Command against Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed militia coalition accused of attacking US and Saudi assets. The strikes, the kingdom's first overt foray into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, were in response to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory. Iran condemned the strikes as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. While Saudi Arabia stated it does not seek escalation, the move signals a shift from previous covert operations. Analysts note Riyadh faces an unpalatable choice: deeper war or emboldening Iran. The PMF, officially part of Iraq's security forces, has often acted independently, striking US targets. Saudi leaders have privately expressed concern about further escalation with Iran.
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Saudi Arabia joins US airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, expanding regional footprint
Saudi Arabia announced it conducted airstrikes in coordination with US Central Command against Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed militia coalition accused of attacking US and Saudi assets. The strikes, the kingdom's first overt foray into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, were in response to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory. The PMF condemned the strikes as a 'highly dangerous escalation,' and Iran's Foreign Ministry called them a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. While Saudi Arabia stated it does not seek escalation, analysts note the overt involvement marks a turning point. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly expressed concern to President Trump about further strikes on Iran, while Saudi defense officials emphasized de-escalation. The article highlights Saudi Arabia's strategic dilemma: facing enemies in three directions and risking deeper war or emboldening Iran.
Saudi Arabia joins US airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, escalating regional tensions
Saudi Arabia announced it conducted airstrikes in coordination with US forces on Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed militia coalition accused of attacking US and Saudi assets. The strikes were in response to drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-aligned militias. The PMF called the assault a 'highly dangerous escalation,' and Iran condemned it as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. While Saudi Arabia stated it does not seek escalation, the overt involvement marks a new turning point in the conflict, as Riyadh signals it will not be seen as 'easy prey' by Tehran. However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concern to President Trump over plans for massive new strikes on Iran, indicating a desire to avoid broader war. Analysts note Saudi Arabia faces a risky choice between deeper war or emboldening Iran.
US Resumes Strikes on Iran-Backed Militias as Middle East Conflict Widens
Joint U.S. and Saudi Arabian airstrikes on Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq on Wednesday killed at least 20 fighters from Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, escalating fears of a broader Middle East conflict. Iran responded by firing missiles at U.S. military bases in Jordan. President Donald Trump stated, 'We are going to be hitting them very hard because it’s our turn,' before the U.S. launched what it called a 'heavy wave of strikes' in Iran. The New York Times reported that the 'scope of the war' has widened, with Iran-linked groups opening new fronts across Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) criticized the strikes as 'a war in search of a rationale.' Middle East expert H.A. Hellyer warned that Tehran views the conflict as an existential struggle, pushing the region into 'uncharted territory.'
US Resumes Iran Strikes as Middle East Conflict Widens
Joint U.S. and Saudi Arabian airstrikes on Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq have killed at least 20 fighters from Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, escalating fears of a broader Middle East conflict. Iran responded by firing missiles at U.S. military bases in Jordan. President Donald Trump stated, 'We are going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn,' before the U.S. launched what it called a 'heavy wave of strikes' in Iran. The New York Times reported that the 'scope of the war' has widened, with Iran-linked groups opening new fronts across Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) criticized the strikes as 'a war in search of a rationale.' Middle East expert H.A. Hellyer warned that Tehran views the conflict as an existential struggle, pushing the region into 'uncharted territory.'
Read sourceSaudi Arabia Attacks Position in Iraq: Playing with Fire
On July 29, 2026, Saudi Arabia publicly participated in a joint military strike with the United States against positions of Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, marking a first in the US-Iran conflict. The attack, carried out in retaliation for drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities, killed at least 20 Iraqi fighters in Diyala province. The commentary by Serena Bilanceri warns that this escalation between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran-aligned forces risks igniting a broader regional conflict. The Iraqi government appears powerless to control Shiite paramilitaries, and Iran-aligned groups are expanding influence in neighboring countries like Jordan. The article notes that a diplomatic solution, including a nearly abandoned Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the US from mid-June, remains the only way to avoid a larger war, but recent setbacks have eroded prospects for peace.
Read sourceTrump Vows Revenge for Iranian Missile Attack; U.S. and Saudi Arabia Strike Iraq
President Donald Trump vowed retaliation for an Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, stating the U.S. would 'beat the shit out of them.' The attack, launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was intercepted by U.S. forces. In response, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia conducted joint precision strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq, killing at least 20 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Iraqi militia group Harakat al-Nujaba condemned the strikes and called for the expulsion of U.S. forces. Meanwhile, influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged the IRGC and militias to stop launching attacks from Iraq to avoid dragging the country into conflict. The Houthis are reportedly considering imposing a toll on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, further escalating regional tensions.
Read sourceTrump Vows Revenge for Iranian Missile Attack; U.S. and Saudi Arabia Strike Iraq
President Donald Trump vowed retaliation after Iran launched a surprise ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, which was successfully intercepted. In response, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia conducted joint precision strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq, killing at least 20 militia members. The Houthis are reportedly considering imposing a toll on transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating regional tensions. Iraqi militia groups, including Harakat al-Nujaba, condemned the strikes and threatened retaliation, while influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged restraint and called for an end to attacks launched from Iraq. Trump stated that talks with Iran are ongoing behind the scenes.
Read sourceIraq once again becomes a battlefield in the Iran war
Iraq has re-emerged as a central front in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. On Tuesday, U.S. and Saudi fighters conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in eastern Iraq, which the U.S. military blamed for recent drone attacks on American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the targeted groups, directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had carried out more than 30 attacks in the previous 72 hours. The strikes hit multiple logistics and weapons sites. This escalation follows the collapse of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire earlier this month, which has already resulted in the deaths of four U.S. troops. The article notes that U.S. troops are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq in September, and that President Trump recently decided against a major escalation due to low supplies of air defense missiles. The U.S. has battled Iranian-backed militias in Iraq for over two decades, with significant clashes during the post-Saddam insurgency and the fight against ISIS.
Attack from Iraq on Saudi Arabia: War between USA and Iran Expands
Saudi Arabia reported being attacked by pro-Iranian militias based in Iraq, prompting US and Saudi airstrikes on militia targets in Baghdad, Basra, and Nineveh. The US military stated it hit logistics and weapons sites in response to over 30 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities within 72 hours. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-loyal militia alliance, reported 20 fighters killed and 32 wounded. The PMF denied responsibility, claiming Saudi Arabia is deflecting from Houthi attacks from Yemen. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi, who faces US pressure to disarm the militias by end of September, convened an emergency Security Council meeting. He is attempting a balancing act, meeting with Lebanese Hezbollah to suggest integrating fighters into the military while maintaining relations with both Iran and the US. Al-Saidi plans to travel to Saudi Arabia to prevent further escalation.
Attack from Iraq on Saudi Arabia: US-Iran War Expands
Saudi Arabia reported being attacked by pro-Iranian militias based in Iraq, prompting US and Saudi airstrikes on militia targets in Baghdad, Basra, and Nineveh. The US military stated it struck logistics and weapons sites of Shiite militias in response to over 30 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities within 72 hours. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-loyal militia alliance, denied responsibility, claiming Saudi Arabia is using the accusations to cover its inability to respond to Houthi attacks from Yemen. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who took office after US pressure blocked a pro-Iranian candidate, faces mounting pressure to disarm the militias by end of September. He convened an emergency security council meeting and reportedly met with a Lebanese Hezbollah delegation to urge integration of fighters into the military. Al-Zaidi plans to travel to Saudi Arabia to prevent further escalation.
Read sourceIraqi armed groups condemn 'dangerous escalation' after US-Saudi strikes
Iraqi armed groups have condemned what they call a 'dangerous escalation' following joint US-Saudi military strikes on Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq. The strikes, which reportedly killed at least 20 people, targeted Tehran-backed militias operating in the region. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks targeting Jordan. The escalation has led to the cancellation of a planned meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The strikes mark a significant expansion of US-Saudi military cooperation against Iranian proxies in the region, raising fears of a broader conflict. The Iraqi government has expressed concern over the violation of its sovereignty, while the US and Saudi Arabia have defended the strikes as necessary to counter threats from Iran-aligned militias.
Read sourceAt least 20 killed in U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq
On July 29, 2026, U.S.-Saudi airstrikes targeted Iran-backed militants in Iraq, killing at least 20 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a former paramilitary alliance now integrated into the Iraqi armed forces. The strikes hit PMF bases in seven provinces and wounded 32 others. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia said the operation was in response to recent attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi oil facilities, including drone interceptions by Riyadh. The PMF condemned the strikes as a 'dangerous escalation' and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Pro-Iran groups denied Saudi accusations and warned against further attacks. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Iraq caught as a proxy battleground. Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, who has sought to balance U.S. and Iranian influence, faces renewed pressure to disarm pro-Iran factions.
US and Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Aligned Targets in Iraq in Response to Drone Attacks
On July 29, 2026, the US military, in coordination with Saudi Arabian forces, conducted airstrikes against logistics and weapons depots belonging to unnamed Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq. The operation, announced by US Central Command (Centcom), was a direct response to over 30 drone attacks allegedly ordered by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the preceding 72 hours targeting US troops in Saudi Arabia and energy infrastructure. Centcom also reported repelling an Iranian ballistic missile attack aimed at a US base in Jordan, with all missiles intercepted. The strikes occurred amid a complex backdrop: US President Donald Trump had temporarily halted US attacks on Iran to pursue negotiations, despite nearly two weeks of nightly US strikes on Iranian targets. Internal concerns from Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Dan Caine about conflict escalation and dwindling US ammunition reserves, particularly Patriot missiles, were cited as potential factors in the pause. Jordanian air defenses separately intercepted five Iranian missiles. The situation signals a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, with direct US-Saudi military cooperation against Iranian proxies in Iraq.
Read sourceSaudi Arabia says it struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq with US coordination
Saudi Arabia's defense ministry announced that it conducted military strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, accusing them of attacking oil facilities in the kingdom. The operation was reportedly carried out with coordination from the United States. US Central Command stated that the strikes followed attacks directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, involving direct Saudi military action on Iraqi soil and explicit US coordination. The strikes targeted groups that Saudi Arabia holds responsible for previous attacks on its critical energy infrastructure.
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