U.S. and Saudi Arabia Strike Iraq as Iran Launches Missiles

The United States and Saudi Arabia launched joint precision airstrikes against Iran-aligned logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq on July 28 and 29, 2026. These operations responded to more than 30 drone attacks directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over a 72-hour period targeting U.S. troops and Saudi petroleum facilities in Riyadh and the Eastern Province. The Popular Mobilization Forces reported at least 10 to 20 members killed in the strikes, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to convene an emergency National Security Council meeting.

Simultaneously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a surprise ballistic missile attack targeting the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and U.S. Central Command headquarters in Jordan. U.S. Central Command confirmed that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted. In the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Navy claimed to have struck and halted three oil tankers, while Houthi rebels targeted the Saudi tanker NCC Ghazal in the Red Sea. These escalations ended a brief three-day lull in hostilities and caused global oil prices to spike over 4%.

Diplomatically, President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington to discuss preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While Trump suggested a chance for progress in negotiations, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected claims that Tehran requested a meeting and warned that European naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would be legitimate targets. Iran also rejected a proposal from Oman for the joint management of shipping traffic in the strait.