Iran Attacks US Forces; Middle East Conflict Heats Up Again
Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday night. US Central Command stated that all missiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.
The attack reportedly targeted a US military base in Jordan. Iran appeared to be attempting a surprise strike following a two-day lull in hostilities between the two nations.
In retaliation, US and Saudi forces struck weapons depots and logistics sites belonging to Iran-backed groups in Iraq. These strikes followed the launch of more than 30 drones at Saudi oil facilities over the previous three days.
An Iran-backed Iraqi mobilization group reported that at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others wounded. Saudi Arabia affirmed that it does not wish to escalate the conflict but will retaliate against any attack threatening its territory and energy facilities.
Tensions have also risen in the Red Sea after a tanker reported the sound of an explosion while passing through the area. While the party responsible remains unknown, the Houthi group had previously claimed responsibility for attacking a Saudi oil tanker.
The renewed conflict immediately drove oil prices up after a three-day decline. Should the attacks spread to the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, disruptions to energy supplies could worsen significantly, triggering a surge in oil prices and inflation while placing new pressure on global markets.
Source: Newsmaker.id
