Saudis Blame Iran-Backed Militias Based in Iraq for Drone Attacks

Key Points:

• Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed several drones launched by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias targeting petroleum facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, marking its first direct military response to such attacks from Iraq since the U.S.-Iran cease-fire collapsed.
• The Saudi defense ministry accused Iraqi territory being used by Iranian-affiliated militias to launch attacks and demanded Baghdad prevent further missile launches.
• The incident intensifies Saudi Arabia's involvement in the regional conflict, coinciding with a Houthi blockade declaration against Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
• Houthi rebels also claimed drone attacks on Saudi crude oil supplies and transport routes, while Jordan and Israel reported intercepting drones near their borders amid ongoing regional tensions.
• Recent strikes follow Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan in retaliation to U.S. air raids, though direct strikes have decreased in the past 48 hours after the Pentagon paused its bombardment.