Iran-US Conflict Escalates as Joint Strike Kills Dozens in Iraq
The conflict between Iran and the US has escalated further, with both sides launching strikes against each other in recent days. On Wednesday, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at American forces in the Middle East, which were intercepted by Jordan's military.
The attack came as the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and wounding another 32. The strikes have raised concerns about a return to all-out war between Iran and the US, which could further disrupt global energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia accused Iraqi militias of firing drones against its oil facilities over the past two days, prompting the joint strike with the US. However, an umbrella group of Iraqi militias initially denied the allegations, while another Iran-backed group - the Houthi rebels in Yemen - said they had attacked Saudi energy facilities as part of a separate but related conflict.
The renewed hostilities have sent oil prices spiking, with Brent crude jumping 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel. The US military has warned that it will respond to any further aggression from Iran-backed groups in the region.