US and Saudi Strikes Hit Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq Amid Escalating Conflict
The conflict between Iran and the US escalated on Wednesday when Jordan intercepted five missiles launched from Iran. The interception came hours after the US military said it knocked down an Iranian missile barrage launched against American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief pause in fighting.
According to the U.S. Central Command, all Iranian missiles launched against American forces were intercepted. The US also worked with Saudi Arabia's forces to strike sites in Iraq that Tehran-backed militias have used to launch attacks in recent days.
The strikes against militia sites in Iraq came after days of negotiations to end the war, which began on February 28 with American and Israeli attacks on Iran. Although an interim deal was signed in June, intense bombing resumed this month due to disagreements over how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies.
The renewed hostilities sent oil prices spiking, with Brent crude jumping 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel.