U.S. and Saudi Arabia Conduct Strikes on Iran-Allied Fighters in Iraq, Complicating Government’s Balancing Act

Houston, TX, August 7, 2026 —

The United States and Saudi Arabia have conducted joint strikes targeting bases of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, a development that intensifies regional tensions and complicates the Iraqi government’s efforts to navigate its relationships with both Washington and Tehran.

The strikes, aimed at Iran-allied fighters, specifically hit bases associated with the PMF. This paramilitary group, while officially integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus, often operates with a degree of autonomy. The PMF has been implicated in previous actions, including accusations of drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and assaults on U.S. forces stationed within Iraq.

The recent military action by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia places the Iraqi government in a challenging diplomatic and security position. Baghdad has been actively seeking to maintain a delicate balance between its strategic alliance with the United States and its close ties with Iran. The strikes, therefore, risk escalating tensions and potentially drawing Iraq further into the proxy conflicts of the region.

In an effort to assert state control and de-escalate potential conflicts, the Iraqi government had previously established a deadline for non-state armed groups operating within its borders to disarm. However, reports indicate that some of the factions most closely aligned with Iran have defied this directive, refusing to relinquish their weapons and autonomy.

The ongoing actions of these Iran-aligned factions within Iraq, coupled with the retaliatory strikes from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, underscore the persistent instability in the region and the difficulties Iraq faces in consolidating its authority over all armed groups operating within its territory.

Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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