US-Saudi Strikes on Iran-Backed Groups Escalate Middle East Tensions
US and Saudi forces launched strikes on Iranian-backed groups in eastern Iraq on Wednesday, targeting sites they claim were used to direct drone attacks against Saudi oil facilities.
The strikes come after Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said its forces struck three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to stop. The IRGC Navy warned that 'unlawful US military interference' and instructions to vessels in the region would not go unanswered.
In a statement, the IRGC said: 'As long as threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue and illegal and malicious actions by US forces against our interests are under way, the resistance will also continue.'
The US-Saudi strikes on Wednesday occurred just hours after the US military said its air defences had averted a surprise Iranian attack on US troops in the region.