US and Saudi forces carry out joint airstrikes against Iran-aligned militia sites in eastern Iraq

U.S. Central Command announced that American and Saudi fighter aircraft conducted precision strikes on several logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq that it said were directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. The operation was described as a response to more than 30 drone attacks attributed to IRGC-directed proxies in the preceding 72 hours.

"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," CENTCOM posted on social media.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that the strikes were limited and targeted, aimed at militias linked to recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities, and added that Saudi Arabia does not seek escalation but will respond to aggression.

In a separate statement, CENTCOM reported that at 5:45 p.m. ET Iranian forces launched up to four ballistic missiles toward U.S. forces in the region, all of which were intercepted successfully.

"All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. US forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness," the command said.

U.S. officials said the IRGC had been directing attacks on Saudi partners without provocation, emphasizing that the strikes were intended to deter further attempts.

The joint action marks the first time Saudi Arabia has publicly claimed responsibility for airstrikes inside Iraq since the conflict between the United States and Iran began, reflecting growing pressure on the kingdom from Iranian-backed proxies operating in the country.