US and Iranian forces resume attacks in Middle East, piercing relative calm

 

Where things stand

• Tensions escalate: A few days of relative calm in the Middle East came to an end Tuesday as the US military intercepted a “surprise attack” on its forces by Iran, according to US Central Command. The attack came roughly a day after President Donald Trump said the US had halted strikes on Iran.

• Joint US-Saudi strikes: A couple of hours later, US Central Command said American and Saudi Arabian forces conducted joint strikes “against Iran-aligned terrorists” in Iraq. Saudi Arabia’s involvement is notable as the kingdom has largely resisted being pulled fully into the recent Middle East conflict.

• Impact in Iraq: The Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iran-aligned Iraqi militia, said several of its bases across Iraq were targeted by the US and Saudi strikes, and “a number of” people were killed and wounded.

• Diplomatic activity: Trump met Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu described the meeting as “one of the best conversations” they’ve had, citing close coordination on Iran and other security issues.