US and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed militants in Iraq after intercepting ballistic missile barrage

· Conflict USAIRNSAUIRQISR
Part of Iran-Israel War

US and Saudi Arabian forces carried out joint airstrikes against Iran-aligned militant targets across eastern Iraq on Tuesday, hitting weapons depots and logistics sites in retaliation for more than 30 drone attacks directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the preceding 72 hours. The Popular Mobilization Forces said the strikes killed at least eight fighters and wounded others, condemning them as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

The operation followed an attempted surprise ballistic missile strike by Iran on American forces in the region on Monday. The US military said all incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted. Saudi Arabia also destroyed drones targeting petroleum infrastructure in its eastern region the same day.

At least 624 US service members have been wounded since President Donald Trump ordered strikes against Iran in February 2026. Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday as the escalation unfolded.

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