The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint precision airstrikes on Tuesday evening against Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq. U.S. Central Command said American and Saudi fighter aircraft targeted multiple logistics and weapons sites linked to groups directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation responded to more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks over the preceding 72 hours that targeted U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed its air defenses had intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraqi territory aimed at petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh regions. The kingdom described the strikes as precise, coordinated with CENTCOM, and carried out in self-defense while emphasizing it does not seek escalation.
Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella group that includes Iran-aligned militias integrated into the country’s security structure, reported that the strikes hit headquarters and facilities in multiple locations, including Baghdad and other provinces. The PMF said at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 wounded, with damage to buildings and facilities. Additional reporting indicated six Iranian advisers were also among the dead.
Earlier the same day, IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in what CENTCOM called an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East. A U.S. official identified the target as a base in Jordan. All missiles were successfully intercepted. Jordan’s military confirmed destroying five missiles that entered its airspace, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Iranian state media claimed responsibility for the attack.
The joint U.S.-Saudi operation marked the first time Saudi Arabia has publicly announced participation in offensive military actions alongside the United States since the broader conflict began on February 28. Previous reports had suggested possible earlier unconfirmed or covert Saudi actions against Iranian or proxy targets, but those lacked official acknowledgment from Riyadh.
President Donald Trump responded to the missile attack by stating that the United States would hit Iran hard and that further consequences would follow. CENTCOM had already warned that additional attacks on U.S. forces or Saudi energy infrastructure would prompt further military responses.