The United States and Saudi Arabia launched a series of strategic strikes in eastern Iraq, focusing on militant groups linked to Iran. These actions targeted organizations guided by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), threaten both U.S. forces and Saudi energy structures.
CENTCOM reported that this joint operation struck various logistics centers and weapon facilities after a recent series of attempted attacks orchestrated by the IRGC. Over the past 72 hours, there have been unsuccessful attempts to employ drones for such purposes.
Additionally, CENTCOM noted that on Tuesday night, the IRGC launched multiple ballistic missiles aimed at American bases in the Middle East. CENTCOM confirmed the successful interception of all these missiles and assured a high level of preparedness among U.S. forces.
According to Reuters, the IRGC claimed responsibility for launching the missiles at a U.S. air base and a CENTCOM facility in Jordan, describing these actions as a direct response to U.S. operations targeting Iranian interests.
“All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” CENTCOM stated.
For further details, Newsweek reached out to CENTCOM for comments via email.
What To Know
CENTCOM’s statement emphasized over 600 recorded attempts targeting U.S. personnel and facilities from February to April in Iraq. This data points to ongoing threats posed by IRGC-supported proxy forces in the region. CENTCOM warned that the IRGC and its affiliated militias should cease these aggressive actions or face further military retaliation.
Professor Rajan Menon from City College of New York explained that ongoing military engagements between the U.S.-Saudi coalition and Iranian-backed militias are unsurprising, given the absence of any official ceasefire. He also noted Iran’s recent targeting of the Muwaffaq Salti air base in Jordan, a facility utilized by the U.S.
Trump Hosts Netanyahu at White House, Discusses Iran
These military actions followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Key topics discussed included the conflict involving Iran, progress within the trilateral framework in Lebanon, and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Netanyahu, speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, described the meeting with Trump as excellent, stressing a shared commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu condemned Iran’s regime, citing its attacks on neighbors such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
The Israeli Prime Minister also highlighted the threat a nuclear-armed Iran would pose internationally and to Israel specifically.
This is an evolving situation, and further updates will follow as new information emerges.
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