Iran overview: US attacks pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, Iran fires on US military

The United States, in conjunction with Saudi Arabian forces, has conducted strikes against targets in eastern Iraq associated with Iran-backed militias. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced that fighter jets attacked multiple logistics and weapons depots belonging to an unnamed group operating near Iran.

These recent strikes by the U.S. military follow a period where they had ceased nighttime attacks on Iran. U.S. officials stated that the current actions are a direct response to more than 30 drone attacks orchestrated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard within the preceding 72 hours. These Iranian-ordered attacks reportedly targeted U.S. troops stationed in Saudi Arabia and energy infrastructure within the kingdom. The U.S. military asserted that the Iranian attacks on its forces were unsuccessful.

Adding to the escalating tensions, the U.S. military also reported intercepting an Iranian "surprise attack" involving missiles aimed at troops in the Middle East. All Iranian missiles were reportedly intercepted, though the U.S. did not specify the exact target. According to the news portal Axios, the missiles were flying towards a U.S. base in Jordan. Iranian media also reported on attacks by the Revolutionary Guard against U.S. military facilities in the country.

The increased military activity occurred just hours after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu described the meeting as "full of partnership, mutual support, and a shared understanding of the goal of ensuring Iran does not possess nuclear weapons." The U.S. administration characterized the meeting as "positive."

“

It was a conversation full of partnership, mutual support, and a shared understanding of the goal of ensuring Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.