Jordan’s air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, just hours after the US military struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The Jordanian military said the missiles were “intercepted and destroyed” after being launched from Iran.
The US Central Command said its forces worked with Saudi Arabia’s military to strike sites in Iraq used by Tehran-backed militias to launch attacks. The US warned that further attacks on American troops or Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure would risk additional action.
Iran Missile Strikes
The Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said its Aerospace Force fired ballistic missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and the US military’s Central Command in Jordan. The US and Iran had experienced a brief period of calm after weeks of escalation over the Strait of Hormuz.
The US and Saudi Arabia’s strikes in Iraq came in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours. The Saudi Defense Ministry acknowledged the strikes, warning that the kingdom would respond to any aggression it faces.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-backed armed groups, said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 others wounded in the overnight strikes. The Iraqi government has designated the PMF as an “independent military formation” within the Iraqi armed forces.
Regional Implications
The strikes have significant implications for the region, with the US and Saudi Arabia taking a strong stance against Iran-backed militias. The Iraqi Prime Minister called an emergency meeting of the country’s National Security Council to discuss the strikes.
The US and Iran have been experiencing increased tensions in recent weeks, with four US troops dying during the fighting. The Pentagon has asked Congress for money to cover the conflict’s ballooning costs. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation.
The broader significance of these events lies in the ongoing struggle for regional dominance, with the US, Saudi Arabia, and Iran vying for influence in the Middle East. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, aware that the consequences of further escalation could be catastrophic.
