Joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-aligned PMF targets in Iraq, followed by a reported JD Vance-Khalid bin Salman meeting, intensified pressure on Baghdad amid a widening U.S.-Iran conflict.
U.S. and Saudi strikes on bases of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces have increased pressure on Baghdad as it tries to balance relations with Washington and Tehran while containing internal instability during a broader U.S.-Iran escalation. CENTCOM said the operation targeted sites linked to attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure, and CNN reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman in Washington on Wednesday after the strikes. Saudi Arabia said it acted in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter after drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeted its petroleum facilities, while Iraqi armed groups denied responsibility and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq called the claims “fabrications.” The PMF said several headquarters were hit, killing at least 20 members and wounding 32, and Iran condemned the strikes as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. The episode comes as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pushes to disarm non-state armed groups by Sept. 30, the deadline for U.S. forces in Iraq to complete their withdrawal, even as some powerful factions including Kataib Hezbollah have refused.