US and Saudi Forces Strike Iran-Linked Militias in Iraq

U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft launched joint airstrikes in eastern Iraq on Wednesday, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

The escalation caused Brent crude prices to jump 3.1% to $84.58 per barrel, while Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which were intercepted.

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, leading to the indefinite postponement of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia on July 30.