Middle East divided as Iran war, Houthi-Saudi Arabia tensions continue to ramp up

The US and Saudi Arabia launched joint strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, marking Riyadh's first public participation alongside Washington. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at US troops in Jordan and a drone hit a US-owned tanker off Egypt. Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces reported 20 killed and 32 wounded. Saudi Arabia's defense minister urged the US not to escalate further.

The US and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, marking the first time Riyadh has publicly joined strikes alongside Washington. Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces reported at least 20 members killed and 32 wounded. Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at US troops in Jordan and launching a drone that struck a US-owned gas storage tanker off Egypt's Damietta port. Saudi Arabia's defense minister met with US Vice President JD Vance to urge against further escalation, warning of 'major unknown risks.' US officials privately cautioned that resuming major combat operations against Iran would strain munition stocks, with estimates showing fewer than 1,000 Patriot interceptors and fewer than 250 THAAD interceptors remaining. The strikes expose a dangerous rift in Iraq, which balances ties with both Tehran and Washington. Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi urged de-escalation, while the presidency denounced the strikes as a violation of sovereignty.