On Thursday, July 30th, 2026, Saudi Arabia accused the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iraqi paramilitary group with ties to Tehran, of attacking its oil facilities. This accusation comes amid heightened tensions after coordinated US-Saudi strikes inside Iraq targeting armed groups linked to Iran.

The conflict in the region has intensified despite ongoing efforts to establish a memorandum of understanding aimed at halting the fighting. One faction of the PMF has reportedly given the Iraqi government a week to respond to the Saudi attacks.

In parallel developments, the US has conducted multiple strikes on targets in Iran, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to pledge retaliation. Saudi Arabia is also forming a coalition to protect the Red Sea and has announced a maritime defense alliance to secure vital waterways.

Experts such as Ahmed Rushdi, President of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation, and Ahmed al-Maimouni, Head of Research at the Rasanah International Institute of Iranian Studies, have commented on the evolving situation.

These events mark a significant turn in the regional conflict, raising concerns about Saudi Arabia being drawn further into the war involving Iran and its allied groups.

Sources