US intercepts Iranian missile attack, launches joint strikes with Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed militias in Iraq
US Central Command says it intercepted a surprise Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces in the Middle East. Hours later the US and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq, a response to over 30 drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities in 72 hours.
US Central Command says it intercepted a surprise Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces on Tuesday, five days into a pause in US strikes on Iran meant to allow diplomacy. Hours later, US and Saudi Arabia jets carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq, a response to more than 30 drone strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure over 72 hours. Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces say 8 members were killed and 4 wounded. It is the first time Saudi Arabia has publicly claimed strikes inside Iraq since the war with Iran began. Brent crude rose to around 83 dollars a barrel after the attack.