Iran hits US in Jordan, US-Saudi strikes on Iraq: Is war spreading?

Saudi Arabia, in coordination with the US military, conducted targeted strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq early Wednesday. The Saudi Ministry of Defence stated these attacks were a response to recent drone assaults on Saudi petroleum facilities and Riyadh, which were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-aligned militias. Saudi air defenses had previously intercepted and destroyed several drones. The Kingdom asserted it does not seek escalation but will defend itself against aggression. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and had previously ordered an investigation into the drone attacks, with the Iraqi military affirming commitment to preventing its territory from being used for attacks. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed factions, denied involvement and warned of a harsh response to any Saudi actions.

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on American forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, according to US Central Command (Centcom). All missiles were successfully intercepted. In retaliation for Iran-directed drone attacks, the US military and Saudi Arabian forces struck Iran-aligned terrorists in Iraq, targeting logistics and weapons sites. Centcom stated this was a response to over 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks in the preceding 72 hours and warned Iran and its proxies to cease attacks to avoid further US military action. Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones targeting petroleum facilities in its eastern region. The reported exchanges ended a brief lull in hostilities.

The US military reported that Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on US forces in the Middle East late on Tuesday. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted, and US forces remain vigilant. This attack occurred after a brief lull in fighting, which followed nearly two weeks of US strikes on Iran and Iranian strikes on US allies. Mediators were attempting to bring both sides back to negotiations for a ceasefire. The target of the missile attack was reportedly a US base in Jordan. This escalation comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington.

US and Saudi forces have launched attacks on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq. This action is in retaliation for what the US describes as "30 IRGC-directed" drone attacks over the past 30 days, which included strikes on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities. The US also accused Iran of firing multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on its forces at a base in Jordan. These developments occur as Saudi Arabia reports intercepting drones and Iran warns of taking "any action" to maintain its control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Jordan's air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, with the Jordanian military confirming they were destroyed. This occurred shortly after the U.S. military announced it had downed an Iranian missile barrage targeting American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief lull in hostilities. U.S. Central Command stated that all Iranian missiles aimed at U.S. forces were intercepted. In conjunction with Saudi Arabia, U.S. forces also struck sites in Iraq used by Iran-backed militias for launching attacks. The U.S. warned that further aggression against American troops or Saudi energy infrastructure would prompt additional action.

Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones for a second consecutive day, stating they were launched from Iraq by Iran-affiliated militias and targeted petroleum facilities in the eastern region. Concurrently, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have compelled a Saudi oil tanker to alter its course as part of their blockade against the kingdom. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions, occurring despite a recent lull in attacks between the United States and Iran following weeks of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed the interception and destruction of the drones.