U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft struck sites tied to Iran-aligned groups across eastern Iraq, U.S. Central Command said, calling the operation a response to more than 30 drone attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure over 72 hours.
The joint operation hit multiple logistics and weapons sites, according to CENTCOM. The command said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed the targeted groups to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
CENTCOM said the drone attacks against U.S. forces failed. It warned that the IRGC and groups aligned with it must stop the attacks to avoid further U.S. military action.
Accounts of the operation’s timing differ. CENTCOM dated the strikes July 28, while Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saudi forces carried them out July 29 in coordination with CENTCOM.
The Saudi ministry said the targets in Iraq were linked to attacks on the kingdom’s petroleum facilities. It described the strikes as an act of self-defense under international law and the U.N. Charter.
“The Kingdom reiterates that it does not seek escalation,” the ministry said. It added that Saudi Arabia would take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty, citizens and national assets if attacked again.
In a separate July 28 statement, CENTCOM reported that IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran at U.S. forces in the Middle East at 5:45 p.m. ET. The command called it an attempted surprise attack and said all the missiles were intercepted.
“U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” CENTCOM said.
CENTCOM also said Iran-aligned militias in Iraq attempted more than 600 attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities from February through April 2026.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry had issued warnings on two earlier days. On July 27, it condemned what it called drone attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. On July 28, it said the militias were targeting oil facilities in the kingdom’s Eastern Province and urged Iraq’s government to stop its territory from being used for such attacks.
The ministry said the latest aggression came as the kingdom was working to ease regional tensions. It accused the militias of choosing escalation in violation of international law.
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