US and Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq Amid Rising Tensions

The US and Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq, claiming they were responsible for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. The strikes occurred hours after the US military said its air defenses had intercepted a surprise Iranian attack on US troops in the region.

The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) responded by saying that their forces struck three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and forced them to stop after ignoring warnings for taking an 'unsafe and illegal route.'

Oman has proposed a new regional deal aimed at resolving the conflict over the critical waterway, which includes collecting voluntary fees from ships.