US Strikes Iran Again, Oil Prices Soar Amid Escalating Conflict

The conflict between the US and Iran escalated further on Wednesday, July 30, 2026, with fresh strikes by the US military against targets in Iran. The strikes were a response to Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East, which occurred the previous day.

The US-Saudi joint operations marked the first time Riyadh has publicly joined strikes alongside Washington. The strikes targeted several bases across Iraq and resulted in at least 20 deaths and 32 injuries among Iran-backed armed groups. 'Death to America' was shouted by Iraqi men as they carried the bodies of slain fighters.

The conflict is now expanding beyond its main fronts, drawing more Middle Eastern countries into the fray. The war began in February when the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that President Donald Trump said would last only a few weeks. The temporary ceasefire agreement in June collapsed amid renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz.