POLITICS

Iraq: US, Saudi jets strike Iran-backed militias

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The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iran-backed groups across eastern Iraq after a surge in drone and missile attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure, officials said Tuesday. U.S. Central Command reported more than 30 attempted strikes over 72 hours, and earlier the same day said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired a ballistic missile barrage at U.S. forces in the Middle East, with all missiles intercepted. Riyadh’s Defense Ministry cited self-defense after drone threats against petroleum facilities. Iraq’s Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded, with facilities damaged in Baghdad and six provinces.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

TIMELINE
On July 24, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump paused direct bombing of Iran.
On July 27, 2026, diplomatic talks between American and Iranian officials showed tentative progress.
On July 28, 2026, Iran launched a ballistic missile barrage targeting U.S. forces in Jordan.
On July 28, 2026, CENTCOM reported over 30 drone attacks by proxy groups on energy sites.
On July 28, 2026, U.S. Central Command confirmed an attempted surprise missile attack was intercepted.
On July 29, 2026, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia launched joint strikes in Iraq.
On July 29, 2026, the Popular Mobilization Forces reported 20 fighters killed in Iraq.
On July 29, 2026, Saudi Arabia defended airstrikes under Article 51 of UN Charter.
On July 29, 2026, CENTCOM warned Iranian proxies of expanded military responses to further attacks.
In coming months, regional proxy warfare will likely escalate oil supply chain disruptions.

News Intelligence

Joint U.S.-Saudi strikes escalate Middle East conflict, raising oil prices.
Prolonged regional warfare threatens global economic stability and energy security.
Middle Eastern energy infrastructure workers, U.S. military forces, global oil consumers.
Prioritize official CENTCOM updates and verified reports from major wire services.