United States and Saudi Arabia strike Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint military strikes in Iraq on July 29, 2026. They targeted Iran-backed militia groups after those groups fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Jordan. The initial attack also hit Saudi energy facilities. At least 20 militants were killed in the strikes, including five Iranians.

The strikes happened just three days after President Trump said he was stopping U.S. military operations. Trump has warned that he will "finish the job" if Iran does not agree to a negotiated deal. The attacks were intended to protect American troops, commercial ships, and Gulf countries from further threats. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global trade, has been affected by the ongoing conflict.