The fragile calm between the United States and Iran has collapsed once again after the U.S. and Saudi Arabia launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq, marking a significant escalation in the already volatile Middle East crisis.
The joint military operation came just hours after Iran allegedly attempted to launch a ballistic missile attack on American forces in the region, reigniting hostilities that had briefly subsided following several days without direct confrontation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American and Saudi fighter jets targeted “multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites” in eastern Iraq.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes were aimed at Iran-backed militant groups allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to carry out attacks against U.S. troops and Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure.
Although the U.S. military did not identify the specific militia involved, Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) confirmed that at least 10 of its fighters were killed during the operation.
Iran Accused of Fresh Missile Offensive
The latest escalation followed what CENTCOM described as an attempted surprise attack by Iran.
The U.S. military claimed Tehran fired multiple ballistic missiles at American positions on Tuesday evening, but said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.
Iran, however, maintained that its missiles were aimed at a U.S. military base in Jordan.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed responsibility for striking three oil tankers in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, further raising concerns over global energy security.
CENTCOM Cites Drone Attacks
Defending the decision to carry out the strikes, CENTCOM accused Iran-backed militias of launching more than 30 drone attacks against U.S. personnel and Saudi facilities over the past 72 hours.
The military command described the attacks as unprovoked and unsuccessful, warning that further aggression from Iran or its regional proxies would trigger additional military action.
“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,” the statement said.
Iraqi Militias Condemn Operation
The Popular Mobilisation Forces condemned the joint U.S.-Saudi operation, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.
The PMF is a coalition comprising several armed groups, many of which maintain close ties with Iran and have long opposed the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq.
For years, pro-Iran militias have carried out attacks against American military installations and interests across Iraq, prompting repeated retaliatory strikes by the United States.
Saudi Arabia Reports Drone Attack on Oil Facilities
Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia announced that its air defence systems intercepted drones targeting petroleum facilities in the country’s eastern region.
Saudi Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki alleged that the drones originated from Iranian-backed militia groups operating inside Iraqi territory.
The attempted attack further heightened regional tensions, with Riyadh joining Washington in launching retaliatory military operations.
Diplomatic Hopes Fade
The renewed exchange of fire comes only days after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that “very friendly negotiations” were taking place between Washington and Tehran.
That optimism followed a three-day pause in direct military exchanges after nearly two weeks of sustained U.S. airstrikes on targets inside Iran.
Those earlier operations reportedly destroyed key tunnels and bridges in southern Iran, with scores of casualties reported.
Despite Trump’s remarks, Iranian officials have continued to deny that any negotiations are taking place.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz continues to sit at the centre of the growing confrontation.
The narrow waterway is one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes, carrying a significant portion of global crude exports.
Any disruption to shipping through the strait has immediate consequences for international energy markets.
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Following news of the latest strikes, oil prices climbed sharply during Asian trading.
Brent crude rose more than four percent to about $87.70 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude gained over four percent to approximately $82.62 per barrel as investors reacted to fears of further supply disruptions.
Strikes Coincide With Netanyahu’s US Visit
The military escalation unfolded as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington for meetings with President Trump.
Netanyahu also attended the funeral of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime advocate of a tougher American stance against Iran.
Hundreds of US Troops Injured
Meanwhile, the Pentagon revealed that at least 624 American service members have been wounded since President Trump ordered military operations against Iran in February.
According to Pentagon figures, 417 of those injuries occurred during Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
The latest developments underscore the increasingly fragile security situation across the Middle East, with fears growing that continued retaliatory attacks between Iran, its regional allies, the United States and its partners could push the region closer to a wider conflict.