On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed Iraqi militias in eastern Iraq. The US Central Command stated that US and Saudi fighter aircraft targeted multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites in response to over 30 drone attacks directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within the previous 72 hours.

Saudi Arabia confirmed its involvement in the strikes, citing retaliation for drone attacks by Iraqi militants aimed at oil facilities in Sharqiya and Riyadh. The kingdom emphasized it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces.

The US military also reported thwarting an "attempted surprise attack" by Iran following a days-long lull in fighting. Meanwhile, conflicting statements from the US and Iran have emerged regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Deutsche Welle analyzed public data sources to track changes in shipping traffic through the strait amid ongoing hostilities.

In related diplomatic developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House as "one of the best conversations I've ever had with the president of the United States." Netanyahu highlighted their shared objective of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Sources