Saudi Arabia and the United States have launched joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq. This military action follows recent missile attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 militia members.
The US Central Command (Centcom) stated these strikes targeted "Iran-aligned terrorists." These groups were allegedly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack US forces and Saudi energy sites. The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iraqi paramilitary group dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias, confirmed the casualties. They reported at least 20 members killed and 32 wounded across multiple provinces including Baghdad and Basra.
This escalation significantly impacts global energy markets. Oil prices surged immediately following the news, reflecting concerns about supply disruptions. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose by 4.3% to $87.70 a barrel in morning trading. US-traded oil also increased by 4.2% to $82.62. This price jump highlights the Strait of Hormuz's critical role in global oil shipments. The strait has faced disruptions since the US and Israel's conflict with Iran began in February.
Major-General Turki al-Maliki, a spokesman for the Saudi defence ministry, confirmed Saudi Arabia's involvement. He stated the kingdom acted under its "right to self-defence" after drone attacks on its oil facilities. These attacks occurred in the Eastern and Riyadh regions. Centcom reported that US and Saudi fighter jets hit "multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq." This was a direct response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the preceding 72 hours.
The renewed hostilities end a three-day period without exchanges of strikes. This brief lull followed 13 consecutive nights of US bombing against Iranian targets. The US had aimed to reduce Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had responded by launching missiles and drones at US military assets in neighboring Arab states, killing four US service personnel in Jordan and Iraq.
The PMF condemned the strikes as a "treacherous terrorist attack" and a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. The group is formally integrated into the Iraqi armed forces. However, it includes several Iran-backed factions that have historically targeted US personnel in Iraq. An Iranian defence official denied any connection to the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. The official warned against attributing such attacks to Iran, calling it a "major miscalculation."
This situation underscores the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, remain a significant factor. Decision-makers and markets will closely monitor further developments. Any additional escalation could lead to more substantial impacts on global oil prices and regional stability. The US has sustained at least 624 military service members wounded since February, according to Pentagon data, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.