Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

US-Saudi Airstrikes in Iraq; Houthi Blockade Lifts Oil Prices

8/1/2026

35 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump, Saudi Airstrikes

U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq on July 28, 2026.
It was the first publicly acknowledged Saudi offensive conducted alongside U.S. forces in the war.
Popular Mobilisation Forces reported 20 deaths and 32 injuries among its members.
Iraq’s presidency called the strikes an unacceptable attack and a flagrant violation of sovereignty.

Left

Trump, Saudi Airstrikes

U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq on July 28, 2026.
Houthi Red Sea blockade pushed crude above $100 a barrel, heightening global energy-price concerns.
A July 20 blockade declared by the Houthis cut Bab al-Mandeb traffic about 22 percent.
Saudi tankers rerouted, increasing reliance on the Suez Canal and longer voyages around Africa.

History

Historical Context

Operation Desert Storm in 1991 saw a U.S.–Saudi coalition launch more than 100,000 air sorties to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, establishing a model of joint Gulf air power. On 28 July 2026 President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia revived that partnership, coordinating strikes against Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq, heightening regional tension and oil-market volatility.

1 of 3

Trump, Saudi Airstrikes

U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia launched joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq on July 28, 2026.
It was the first publicly acknowledged Saudi offensive conducted alongside U.S. forces in the war.
Popular Mobilisation Forces reported 20 deaths and 32 injuries among its members.
Iraq’s presidency called the strikes an unacceptable attack and a flagrant violation of sovereignty.

1 / 3