U.S. and Saudi forces conducted joint airstrikes in Iraq targeting an Iran‑backed militant alliance, marking an expansion of the conflict beyond Iran. The operation signaled a shift from a focus on Iranian territory to its regional proxies.
The attacks killed at least 20 militants and wounded 32, according to Iraqi security officials. The casualties were reported across multiple strike sites within Iraq.
The same day, strikes hit locations in southern Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and the city of Abadan near the Iraqi border. These targets were identified as military installations linked to Tehran’s defense network.
The United States resumed its bombing campaign after a missile attack on U.S. bases in Jordan. The president pledged a hard response to the Iranian missile barrage.
In an interview, the president declared that the U.S. would hit Iran “hard” and used explicit language to underscore the resolve. He asserted that American forces would deliver a decisive blow.
Iraqi Prime Minister ordered the foreign ministry to initiate legal proceedings against the United States and Saudi Arabia. The move cites violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The Iraqi presidency issued a statement condemning the strikes as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. It labeled the attacks as contraventions of international legal norms.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry characterized the operation as lawful self‑defence. The ministry referenced prior attacks by Iran‑backed militias on Saudi territory as justification.
Jordan’s air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran, preventing further damage. The Jordanian military emphasized its commitment to protect national airspace and citizens.
A meeting at the White House between the U.S. president and the Israeli prime minister was described as extremely positive. Both leaders reaffirmed an ironclad commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The coordinated U.S.–Saudi strikes represent the first major American military action since a brief suspension of bombing earlier in the week. The renewed offensive underscores a heightened willingness to confront Iranian influence.
The series of events heightens regional volatility and raises concerns of broader escalation. International observers note the risk of further confrontations involving multiple state actors.
