Iraq, Saudi Arabia: the war in the Middle East is spreading

The United States and its Saudi ally said they targeted pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq on Wednesday, a new extension of the war in the Middle East involving factions supported by Tehran.

After a lull of several days, the US military announced that it had intercepted Iranian missiles, then launched joint strikes with Saudi Arabia in response to recent attacks, causing a new surge in oil prices.

In Iraq, at least 20 fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition including pro-Iran armed groups, were killed and 32 wounded, the coalition, which is integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said.

She denounced a "dangerous escalation" against "official security institutions" and an "aggression" against its bases in seven provinces, including Baghdad, Nineveh (north) and Basra (south), noting damage.

Iranian-backed groups in Iraq have denied being behind drone strikes targeting oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh claimed before retaliating with its American ally.

- Oil prices rising -

"American and Saudi warplanes have struck several terrorist logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq," wrote the U.S. Central Command for the Middle East (Centcom), threatening further retaliation in the event of attacks.

Centcom also claimed to have "successfully intercepted" missiles fired by Iran "as part of an attempted surprise attack," without specifying where.

In Jordan, a Washington ally targeted by Iran since the resumption of hostilities earlier this month, the army said it had intercepted five missiles from Iran.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard, a powerful armed force, confirmed that it had "targeted an airbase and the US Central Command Center" with ballistic missiles.

Prior to these strikes on Iraq, the conflict between Iran and the United States had recently spread to another front, which had remained relatively calm since 2022, between the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh provides military support to the Yemeni government against the rebels, who are supported by Iran.

The rebels claimed on Tuesday to have targeted a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea with missiles, accusing the ship of having "violated the naval blockade" they said they had imposed on the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is the world's leading crude oil exporter and relies on the Red Sea to continue its exports, while Iran is once again sealing off the strategic Strait of Hormuz, on the other side of the peninsula.

The Guardians also announced on Wednesday that they had struck and stopped three oil tankers that were trying to cross this strait, through which before the war some 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed.

Oil prices, which had retreated during the respite of recent days, have rebounded sharply. Around 08:20 GMT, the price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading at $87.33 a barrel (+3.85%).

- Netanyahu in Washington -

Washington said last week that it wanted to "leave room for negotiations" with the Iranians, allowing several days of calm.

Wednesday's new strikes came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, where he met with Donald Trump for the first time since the start of the regional war, triggered by attacks by their countries against Iran on February 28.

The two men hailed a positive meeting, which according to Mr. Netanyahu dealt in particular with their "common goal: to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons".

However, the closed-door interview, after which the participants had no exchange with the press, does not dispel the impression of disagreements.

Relations between Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu had deteriorated sharply in April, during negotiations on a first ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with Donald Trump then sharply attacking his ally, accusing him of obstructing diplomatic efforts.

Mr. Netanyahu's visit to the White House comes as he seeks a new term in the October parliamentary elections, but the latest polls show him in difficulty.

Israel has not taken part in the latest wave of hostilities but has promised to retaliate against any attack.