US-Saudi Arabia airstrikes target Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces militia in Iraq
The strikes followed a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The United States has made clear that it believes Iran-directed militias are responsible for the escalation
Assessment
The US military has conducted airstrikes in Iraq against an Iran-backed militia, the Popular Mobilization Forces, in response to drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The strikes indicate a direct US military intervention against proxy forces, escalating tensions in the region. The key question is whether this will deter further attacks or trigger a cycle of retaliation. The US assessment that Iran directs these militias signals a potential shift toward holding Tehran directly accountable.