Joint airstrikes follow wave of drone attacks as tensions escalate across the Middle East despite ongoing diplomatic efforts

The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions following a series of drone attacks targeting US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the precision strikes targeted logistics hubs and weapons facilities allegedly used by Iran-backed militias operating in eastern Iraq. According to CENTCOM, the operation was launched after more than 30 drone attacks directed at US military installations and Saudi oil facilities over the past 72 hours.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the drone attacks failed to achieve their objectives but warned that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its allied groups must cease attacks on American personnel and regional partners or face further military action.

Netanyahu meets Trump at White House

The military operation coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he held a nearly 90-minute meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Following the talks, Netanyahu described the meeting as one of the most productive discussions he had ever held with the US President.

In a video statement, the Israeli Prime Minister said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and discussed broader regional security issues.

"Our shared objective remains ensuring that Iran never develops nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said, adding that both governments remain fully coordinated on strategic matters concerning Israel's security.

Iraqi militia reports casualties

Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and describing the attacks as a dangerous escalation.

The PMF's command in Nineveh province claimed that eight members were killed and four others injured in the strikes, while separate reports indicated damage to militia facilities in Basra and other regions.

The Iraqi armed group said authorities were assessing the extent of casualties and infrastructure damage.

Regional tensions continue to rise

The latest military action comes amid renewed instability across the Middle East despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities.

Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles that crossed its airspace early Wednesday after the IRGC claimed to have targeted a US military base and Central Command facilities in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia confirmed that the joint operation was carried out under its right to self-defence following repeated drone attacks on petroleum facilities in the kingdom. Riyadh maintained that it does not seek further escalation but would continue responding to threats against its territory and critical infrastructure.

Shipping concerns persist

The security situation in key maritime routes also remained volatile.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it had stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels following what it described as "illegal" US navigation directives could face similar action.

Shipping activity through Hormuz remains significantly lower than normal, while traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has increased, according to maritime monitoring reports.

The continued disruptions have renewed concerns over global energy supplies and shipping security, although crude oil markets remained relatively stable during early trading.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Despite the military exchanges, diplomatic engagement has not completely stalled.

Officials from several Gulf countries continue to push for de-escalation, while negotiations involving regional stakeholders remain ongoing to prevent the conflict from expanding further.

However, the latest exchange of strikes underscores the fragile security environment in West Asia, where military operations and diplomatic initiatives continue to unfold simultaneously.