New attacks raise fears of wider regional war
Iran launched a missile barrage against U.S. forces in the Middle East on Wednesday, while the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, increasing concerns that the conflict could return to a wider regional war.
The latest escalation followed several days of relative calm and highlighted the challenges of ending a five-month conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and increased pressure on U.S. military resources.
U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed militias
Saudi Arabia had accused Iraqi militias of launching drone attacks against its energy infrastructure. In response, U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft targeted logistics and weapons facilities in eastern Iraq.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of mostly Shiite Iran-backed armed groups officially linked to Iraq’s military, reported that at least 20 fighters and 32 others were injured in the strikes. Iraqi militia officials also said six Iranian advisers were killed.
The Iraqi government condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty. Officials said the attacks occurred while the government was communicating with relevant parties to address concerns raised by Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Iran launches missiles toward U.S. base in Jordan
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched ballistic missiles toward Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key U.S. military facility in the region.
Jordan’s military said five Iranian missiles were intercepted and destroyed, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Drone strikes target natural gas vessels in Egypt
The conflict expanded further after drone strikes caused fires on two natural gas vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey.
The targeted vessels included a U.S.-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned tanker. No injuries were reported, and responsibility for the attack had not been confirmed.
Egypt has largely avoided direct military involvement during the conflict and remains one of the region’s key diplomatic actors. A confirmed strike by Iran or its allies would represent a significant expansion of hostilities.
Trump warns of further military action
Asked whether Iran was responsible for the attacks on the vessels, U.S. President Donald Trump said the situation represented “a little more of the same” and warned that further military action could follow.
Trump said diplomatic efforts were continuing but added that the U.S. would respond militarily if negotiations failed.
Oil prices rise as energy concerns grow
The renewed fighting pushed global oil prices higher as investors assessed risks to Middle East energy supplies.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 7.3% to $88.09 per barrel as markets reacted to concerns about disruptions in key shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of tension. The waterway is critical for global energy shipments, and Iranian attacks have effectively restricted traffic through the route.
Saudi energy infrastructure faces new threats
Saudi Arabia is also facing renewed attacks from Houthi forces in Yemen, which have declared a blockade targeting Saudi shipping routes.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for drone attacks against oil facilities connected to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea exports. The attacks targeted infrastructure used to transport oil to Yanbu, an important export hub that provides an alternative route when access through the Strait of Hormuz is restricted.
Satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press showed damage at Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq oil-processing facility, which can process approximately 7 million barrels of crude oil per day.
A refinery in Jazan on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast also temporarily shut down following another attack. The facility produces around 400,000 barrels per day.
Diplomatic efforts struggle to restore ceasefire
Before the latest escalation, regional mediators had expressed optimism about restarting negotiations between the United States and Iran.
However, an interim agreement collapsed after renewed fighting around the Strait of Hormuz. Officials involved in mediation efforts said they continue trying to restore calm, but prospects remain uncertain as both sides continue military operations.
Iran rejects proposal on Strait of Hormuz
Iran rejected an Oman-backed proposal to jointly manage shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian officials.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Oman proposed dividing traffic through the strait into two routes. Tehran instead suggested a temporary arrangement for vessel transit through Iranian territorial waters.
Iran also indicated that the strait would not return to its previous status, when commercial ships could pass freely without restrictions.
