U.S. Central Command reported that American and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. The command’s assessment found the operation responded to over 30 aerial drone attacks directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the last 72 hours, none of which succeeded against U.S. forces. The Saudi Ministry of Defense said in a statement that its armed forces carried out the precise strikes on militias present on Iraqi territory and linked to assaults on the Kingdom’s petroleum facilities.
In its announcement, the Saudi Ministry of Defense stressed that the Kingdom is not seeking escalation, but will respond to aggression. Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki described the drone attacks as terrorist actions launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias. Al-Malki affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its territory, critical infrastructure and national interests while reserving the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iran-affiliated militias for actions it said came despite Riyadh’s efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote stability. The ministry accused the groups of pursuing an irresponsible escalatory approach that violated international law. It added that the militias disregarded principles of good neighborliness and Islamic brotherhood.
Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that targeted petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province on Tuesday evening, according to the defense ministry. Additional attacks launched from Iraq the previous Monday had aimed at both Eastern Province oil installations and Riyadh but were neutralized before reaching their targets, Saudi authorities reported. These incidents set the stage for the coordinated response announced early Wednesday.
A U.S. Central Command statement noted that the unwarranted attacks against U.S. forces remained unsuccessful. The command’s figures show more than 600 attempted attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned terrorist militias in Iraq from February through April 2026. It warned that the IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reiterated in its statement that the joint operation with U.S. Central Command aligned with self-defense measures to protect critical national assets. Al-Malki highlighted how the militias operated from Iraqi soil in coordination with external directives. Both statements underscored the targeted and proportionate nature of the strikes against identified threat locations.
