US-Iran tensions have escalated after Washington warned Iran to halt attacks carried out directly or through regional proxies against American assets in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.
The warning came after the US military said it intercepted an Iranian missile barrage and carried out joint strikes with Saudi forces against sites in Iraq used by Tehran-backed militias to launch attacks.
US says missiles targeting forces intercepted
US Central Command said all Iranian missiles launched against American forces in the Middle East were intercepted.
The command said US forces “remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness” following the attacks.
The US military added that further attacks against American troops or Saudi energy facilities could trigger additional military action.
“US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in a strong response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours,” Central Command said.
It warned that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and its allied groups must stop the attacks to avoid further US military responses.
Saudi Arabia confirms strikes and drone interceptions
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the strikes, saying the Kingdom does not seek escalation but would respond to any aggression.
Riyadh said its air defences had intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting petroleum facilities in the country’s eastern region for a second consecutive day.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate after Saudi Arabia reported similar attacks.
Baghdad said it remained committed to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a launching point for attacks against neighbouring or friendly countries.
Iran-backed groups deny involvement
Iraqi militias denied responsibility for the drone attacks.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed organisations, rejected Saudi allegations as “fabrications” and suggested the attacks may have been carried out by Yemen’s Houthis.
The Houthis claimed they had fired missiles at the Saudi oil tanker NCC Ghazal, forcing it to turn back. They had also announced a blockade of Saudi shipping, raising concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route connecting the Red Sea.
Fighting resumes after brief pause
The latest escalation comes after a period of relative calm following weeks of fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf waterway through which around 20% of global oil trade normally passes.
The conflict resumed after weeks of pressure on US President Donald Trump’s administration, with four US troops reportedly killed during the fighting.
The Pentagon has also asked Congress for additional funding as the costs of the conflict continue to rise.
The latest developments have further intensified US-Iran tensions across the Middle East.
Also read: Iran to get Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems in weeks
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