U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike Iran’s allies in Iraq
The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint airstrikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq following drone attacks directed by the IRGC.
U.S. And Saudi Arabia strike Iran’s allies in Iraq
The United States and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, targeting Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. The operation marks the first time Riyadh has publicly acknowledged participating in combat alongside U.S. Forces during the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
The strikes were carried out in retaliation for more than 30 drone attacks allegedly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over the previous 72 hours. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that fighter jets struck multiple logistics and weapons facilities in eastern Iraq linked to attacks on U.S. Forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry asserted the strikes were conducted in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed coalition integrated into the formal Iraqi security forces, reported that at least 20 members were killed and 32 wounded. The PMF stated that headquarters and facilities in the provinces of Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala, and Diyala suffered extensive damage to buildings, military vehicles, and equipment. The group condemned the strikes as a treacherous terrorist attack
and a dangerous escalation
that violates Iraq's sovereignty.
Regional Escalation and Diplomatic Setbacks
The joint operation is the first major U.S. Military action in the Middle East since last Friday, when President Donald Trump suspended an intensive 13-day bombing campaign. This suspension occurred after commanders advised that the strategy had run its course.
The conflict has expanded to other fronts. In Jordan, the military reported intercepting five Iranian missiles. This follows a pattern of attacks on U.S. Bases in Jordan, where three of the four U.S. Service members killed this month were lost. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they struck three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and fired ballistic missiles at U.S. Installations in Jordan.
In Yemen, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced a blockade of Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea on July 19 and recently targeted Saudi oil refineries and depots.
The Struggle for the Strait of Hormuz
Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region have stalled. A framework deal reached in June between the U.S. And Iran collapsed over the control of the Strait of Hormuz. Oman proposed a plan this week for joint regional control of the waterway, allowing for voluntary service charges with the support of Gulf states.
A senior Iranian official rejected the Omani proposal as unreasonable
, stating that a 50-50 joint control arrangement would not serve Iran's interests. Tehran seeks sole control over the inbound route and partial control over the outbound route. The Revolutionary Guards Navy maintained that it holds full control over the strait and will respond to unlawful U.S. military interference
.
Economic and Political Fallout
The renewed fighting caused Brent crude futures to rise more than $3 a barrel, trading above $87. Prices had briefly spiked above $100 last week before falling after President Trump paused the bombing campaign.
In Iraq, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi—who assumed office this year with Washington's blessing—ordered an emergency meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security. Al-Zaidi has previously vowed to ensure pro-Iran groups hand over their weapons, though he has faced internal pushback.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt, have condemned the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with Riyadh's right to self-defence.
Military Reclassifications and Future Outlook
The Pentagon has updated its casualty tracking, ending "Operation Epic Fury" and creating a new "Overseas Operations" category. Combined records show 642 U.S. Troops wounded in the conflict. Additionally, U.S. Central Command warned troops that social media posts could help Iran identify military bases.
As the conflict persists, Iran is expected to receive 300-400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers (MANPADS) within weeks in a deal valued at $60-70 million.
