Iran resumes missile attacks as US and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq
The security situation in the Middle East deteriorated further on Wednesday as Iran launched missile strikes against American military positions. This follows a coordinated response from the United States and Saudi Arabia, who targeted Tehran-backed militias operating within Iraq. The strike resulted in at least 20 deaths among the fighters, according to local officials.
Reports indicate that Iranian ballistic missiles were directed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a primary hub for U.S. forces in the region. Military officials confirmed that five of these missiles were successfully intercepted by Jordanian defense systems. No casualties or significant damage were reported at that facility.
The retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Saudi forces targeted logistics and weapons depots in eastern Iraq. The Iraqi government expressed opposition to these operations, characterizing them as a violation of sovereignty. Iraqi President Nizar Amidi condemned the action, and a planned diplomatic visit by the Iraqi Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia is now postponed indefinitely.
Energy markets reacted sharply to the news of intensified fighting. Global oil prices rose by over 3 percent, with Brent crude reaching 84.58 dollars per barrel. The volatility is linked to ongoing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route that has seen reduced traffic due to recent Iranian activities. Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq also sustained damage from earlier drone attacks, prompting further concerns about potential disruptions to global supply chains.
Diplomatic efforts remain active behind closed doors, though the prospect of a swift resolution appears difficult. Iran recently rejected an Omani proposal aimed at establishing a joint management system for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With the latest exchange of fire, regional observers warn that the risk of a broader conflict continues to grow as both sides struggle to find a stable path toward de-escalation.