Iran Strikes US Forces Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American forces in the Middle East. The attacks come after the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.

The flare-up on multiple fronts raises the risk of a return to all-out war, which has already jolted the world economy and is unpopular among Americans. Oil prices have spiked, with Brent crude jumping 7.3% to $88.093 a barrel.

Iraq's government decried the US-Saudi attacks, saying they were a 'blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty'. The strikes had been carried out while the Iraqi government was in contact with relevant parties to investigate and address concerns raised by the Saudi and American sides.