U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed groups in Iraq after attacks on American forces

CBS News ^ | July 28, 2026 | Joe Walsh

[McGruff]

The U.S. and Saudi militaries launched airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, U.S. Central Command said, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces over the last few days.

The strikes could pose a challenge to a five-day lull in U.S. attacks on Iran, as President Trump says he wants to give diplomacy a chance. It's unclear when — or whether — strikes on Iran could resume. The U.S. also said Tuesday it prevented an Iranian "surprise attack."

CENTCOM said the strikes were in response to more than 30 attempted drone attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi energy sites over the last three days, describing the attacks on U.S. assets as unsuccessful. Saudi Arabia said it has intercepted drones that were launched from Iraq and targeted petroleum facilities in Riyadh and the country's east.

---

TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Hamas; Hezbollah; Iran; Iraq; War; War on Terror; Yemen
KEYWORDS: hamas; hezbollah; iran; iraq; irgc; saudiarabia; waronterror; yemen

[Allegra]

Take out the Sadr scum! 👍