Saudi Arabia conducts first confirmed strikes against Iran-linked militias in Iraq alongside US

Saudi Arabia said it carried out airstrikes against militias linked to Iran that operate from Iraq, in coordination with U.S. Central Command. The attacks were described as a response to recent assaults on Saudi oil and gas facilities and on U.S. assets in the region.

The Saudi defense ministry said its fighter jets executed "precise and targeted strikes" against the groups in eastern Iraq.

"This reaffirms the Kingdom's legitimate right to defend itself and its capabilities, while reserving the right to respond at the appropriate time and place," the ministry posted on its official X account.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the joint operation, stating the targets were "Iran-aligned terrorists" and noting that recent Iranian-directed attacks on U.S. forces had been unsuccessful.

"The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response," the command said.

The statement added that 600 attempted attacks on U.S. assets had been recorded in the first two months of the war. Saudi officials emphasized that the strikes did not constitute an escalation of the fighting, even as diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran have stalled.