Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have joined forces in carrying out airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, as tensions rise in the region.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was launched on Tuesday after Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces and Saudi oil infrastructure.

CENTCOM said the sites were used by Iran-aligned groups directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Although CENTCOM did not identify the militia, Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said at least 10 of its members were killed in the strikes.

CENTCOM said all the ballistic missiles fired by Iran were intercepted, adding that the drone attacks had failed.

“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,” CENTCOM said.

The PMF condemned the attack, describing it as “a dangerous escalation” and a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.

The latest operation by the U.S. military came after more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks over the previous 72 hours, with over 600 attempted against U.S. forces and facilities in Iraq between February and April 2026 by Iran-aligned militant groups.

Oil prices have also increased by three per cent as of Wednesday due to the conflict in the Middle East.