After a period of quiet, tensions rose again in the Middle East. On Tuesday evening, Iran launched missiles at American bases in Jordan. Iran also sent over 30 drones targeting American soldiers and Saudi oil facilities. In response, the United States and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes in eastern Iraq on July 28, 2026. This was the first time Saudi Arabia had openly attacked inside Iraq since the Gulf War in 1991.
The strikes hit places where Iran-backed groups stored weapons and supplies. The Popular Mobilization Forces, a group of militias in Iraq, said 20 of their fighters were killed and 32 were injured. Their command centers in several cities, including Baghdad, were attacked.
Before the strikes, Saudi Arabia's air defense systems stopped many drones aimed at its oil sites. Saudi officials said the action was in self-defense, according to the United Nations Charter. Maj-Gen Turki al-Maliki stated that Saudi Arabia does not want more conflict but will defend itself.
American forces also stopped all incoming missiles and drones. This happened despite President Trump recently talking about possible negotiations with Iran. After the attacks, Trump warned Iran of a strong response.
The conflict has affected global oil prices, which increased by five percent. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil, remains closed. The IRGC Navy also recently captured three oil ships there.
Iraq condemned the strikes as a violation of its territory. Iran called it a breach of international law. The strikes occurred while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting Washington.