• The US and Saudi Arabia have conducted joint strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.
• The strikes were a response to drone attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.
• Over 30 drone attacks have been launched against Saudi oil installation in recent days.
• The Iranian Revolutionary Guards refuted claims of involvement in these attacks.
• Regional tensions have escalated, prompting fears of wider conflict in the Middle East.

In a significant escalation of hostilities, the US and Saudi Arabia conducted coordinated strikes against Iran-aligned militias in Iraq. The attacks targeted "terrorist logistics and weapons sites" reportedly linked to **over 30 drone assaults** directed at Saudi oil facilities within the last 72 hours, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with US Central Command (CENTCOM), emphasizing that it aimed to deter further attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which are closely associated with Iran, denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as fabrications, as reported by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

The joint strikes represent a historic collaboration between the US and Saudi forces against Iranian proxies, marking the first time such a publicized military operation has taken place since the recent conflict escalation began in late February. This decision follows Riyadh's warnings of attacks being launched from within Iraq by these militias, with CENTCOM confirming that the strikes were a defensive measure intended to safeguard both US and Saudi positions, according to Reuters and India Times.

Consequently, Iran has vehemently denied the allegations of orchestrating these drone operations and characterized the claims as a "major miscalculation" by Saudi Arabia and the US. The situation continues to heighten fears of a broader conflict within the region, especially given that the strikes come amidst Iran's own military operations, including missile launches aimed at US installations in Jordan, stated in reports by BBC and Le Monde.

As the conflict unfolds, both US and Saudi officials express a reluctance to escalate further but maintain that they will respond to any aggression. This precarious balance is critical, as the escalating military operations have already begun to affect regional oil prices and overall security in the Gulf, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.