The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces in northern Iraq on Friday, July 26 [1].
These operations signal a significant escalation in regional tensions as the U.S. seeks to neutralize militant sites and respond to Iranian attacks on American forces [3].
CCTV footage captured visible explosions near a U.S. military base and other locations across Iraq [2]. The strikes were part of a broader campaign of aggression. A Pentagon spokesperson said the military had concluded its 13th [4] consecutive night of strikes against Iran.
As the conflict intensified, Jordan reported defensive actions against incoming threats. A Jordanian military spokesperson said Jordan intercepted five [5] missiles launched from Iran [1].
President Donald Trump (R-FL) addressed the ongoing military action. "Iran is going to get a beating," Trump said [3].
The strikes serve as retaliation for Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. forces [3]. Military officials said the goal was to neutralize sites linked to the Iran-backed groups to prevent further strikes on regional assets [2].
“"Iran is going to get a beating."”
The coordination between U.S. and Saudi forces indicates a unified front against Iranian influence in Iraq and the broader region. By targeting the Popular Mobilisation Forces and intercepting Iranian missiles, the U.S. is attempting to establish a deterrent against asymmetric warfare. The duration of the strikes—nearly two weeks of consecutive operations—suggests a strategic shift from sporadic retaliation to a sustained campaign intended to degrade Iran's proxy capabilities.
