Iran Fires Missiles at US Forces as Middle East Tensions Escalate
A flare-up of violence in the Middle East has raised concerns about a return to all-out war, with Iran launching missiles at American forces in Jordan and the US partnering with Saudi Arabia to strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq. Five Iranian missiles were intercepted by Jordan's military, but no immediate casualties or damage were reported.
The US and Saudi aircraft struck multiple logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq in response to alleged drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed armed groups, said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 others wounded in the overnight strikes.
The conflict has already had significant economic implications, with Brent crude prices jumping 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel following the renewed hostilities. Saudi Arabia is also locked in a conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have declared a blockade of Saudi shipping and launched drones targeting oil facilities.