United States and Saudi Arabia conduct joint airstrikes on Iraqi militia targets

The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes together in eastern Iraq on July 29, 2026. They hit targets across seven provinces, targeting Iran-backed militant groups. The strikes came after more than 30 drone attacks in the previous 72 hours. Iran's Revolutionary Guard directed those attacks against US troops and Saudi oil facilities. Saudi Arabia said the action was defensive and limited, and that it does not want further conflict. Iraq's government called the strikes unacceptable and reported civilian deaths. Between 10 and 20 fighters from an Iraqi armed group were killed. It was the first time Saudi Arabia openly took part in military action in the regional conflict, though it had reportedly acted in secret before.