Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new high point. On Wednesday, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint airstrikes on Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq. This came just hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan and drone attacks hit Saudi oil facilities.
Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Jordan
Early Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched several ballistic missiles toward a US base in Jordan, believed to be the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base near Azraq. The US Central Command said all the missiles were successfully intercepted, with no casualties or damage reported.
Jordan’s military also confirmed it had shot down missiles heading toward its territory. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and the headquarters of the US military’s Central Command in Jordan. A US official called it a “major attack,” and even before the strike was confirmed, an Iranian negotiator had said Iran was ready for a full-scale war.
US and Saudi Arabia Strike Back in Iraq
The missile attack came right after drone strikes hit Saudi oil facilities. Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted several drones that were launched from Iraq and aimed at oil facilities in the kingdom’s eastern region.
In response, American and Saudi warplanes hit weapons depots and militia bases across eastern Iraq. CENTCOM described it as a strong response to more than 30 drone attacks directed by the IRGC over the previous three days. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of mostly Shiite, Iran-backed militias, said its bases in several provinces were hit and that fighters were killed and wounded in the strikes.
Iraq’s government reacted with anger. The office of Iraqi President Nizar Amidi condemned the strikes as an unacceptable attack and a clear violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the situation.
Oil Markets React as Region Braces for More
The renewed fighting shook energy markets almost immediately. Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped more than 3% to over $84 a barrel. Analysts warn that any further disruption to Gulf oil supply routes could push prices even higher in the coming days.
Iraqi militia groups have denied carrying out the drone attacks on Saudi facilities, with some suggesting Houthi rebels from Yemen were behind them instead. The Houthis have separately claimed responsibility for targeting a Saudi oil tanker and announced a blockade on Saudi shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, adding another flashpoint to an already tense region.
Summary
- Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan; all were intercepted, with no injuries reported.
- The US and Saudi Arabia responded with joint airstrikes on Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq.
- The strikes followed earlier drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which Riyadh blamed on Iran-linked groups.
- Iraq’s government condemned the airstrikes as a violation of its sovereignty and called an emergency security meeting.
- Oil prices jumped over 3% on fears of wider regional conflict.
- Houthi rebels in Yemen have also claimed attacks on Saudi shipping, adding to regional instability.
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