Saudi Arabia is becoming more embroiled in the Middle East conflict, launching a joint attack on Iraq this week with the United States, even though the kingdom has spent months avoiding deeper involvement.
What happened: Washington and Riyadh launched attacks on “logistics and weapons hubs” in multiple parts of Iraq on Wednesday, local time, following attacks by Iranian-backed militants on U.S. forces and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
At least 20 people were killed and 32 injured, according to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the umbrella organization for Iranian-affiliated Iraqi militias targeted in the airstrike.
Iraq and Iran’s reaction: According to Iranian state media, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack. Iraq’s recently elected President Nizar al-Amidi called the attack “unacceptable and a gross violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.”
Why Saudi Arabia got involved: Over the past week, Saudi Arabia has faced enemies from three directions. These include missile attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, drone strikes by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, and new threats from Tehran.
In addition to attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, the Houthis also announced a blockade of Saudi ships passing through choke points in the Red Sea. This is a major escalation for Saudi Arabia, which has been redirecting much of its oil exports through Red Sea ports as the Strait of Hormuz remains paralyzed.
Throughout the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has maintained open channels of communication with Tehran. But with its economy battered by war and fending off attacks from Iranian-backed proxies, it may be losing patience.
Officials meet: Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the joint attack, Saudi Arabia’s response to attacks on infrastructure, and Saudi Arabia’s views on the ongoing war, sources said.
The minister also met with President Donald Trump, sources told CNN.
