Iran Missile Strikes Spark US-Saudi Response in Middle East Conflict

A renewed wave of military action has erupted in the Middle East, as Iran launched missile attacks against American forces in Iraq. The US and Saudi Arabia responded by striking Iranian-backed militias in neighboring Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters.

The strikes, which began early Wednesday morning, also killed six Iranian advisers, according to two Iraqi militia officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The US military later announced that American and Saudi fighter aircraft had struck multiple logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq in response to the alleged drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The conflict has sent oil prices spiking, with Brent crude jumping 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz has been a major flashpoint in the conflict, with Iran's deputy foreign minister rejecting a proposal by Oman to jointly manage ship traffic.