Iran is escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it struck three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and launched ballistic missiles at American military targets in Jordan. The United States maintains that all missiles were intercepted, while Washington and Riyadh carried out joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Oil prices surged 3% following the attacks.
Read also: Saudi Arabia accuses Iran-backed groups over drones intercepted from Iraq
Iran strikes three oil tankers
In the early morning hours, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had struck three oil tankers that, according to the IRGC, were attempting to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. “A few hours ago, three tankers that violated Iranian orders, ignored warnings, and continued their dangerous and illegal course were hit and stopped,” the Guards’ navy stated, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the incident, and neither the flag nor the nationality of the tankers was clarified.
Iran fires ballistic missiles at US targets — claims responsibility
Simultaneously, the Revolutionary Guards announced they had launched ballistic missiles at American military targets in Jordan, according to a statement broadcast by state television Press TV.
The announcement came shortly after the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed that the US had foiled a “surprise attack” by Iran.
According to CENTCOM, at 5:45 p.m. ET (00:45 Greek time), the Revolutionary Guards launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iranian territory targeting US forces in the Middle East — however, all were successfully intercepted.
At 5:45 p.m. ET today, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 28, 2026
Airstrike on Iran-backed militia headquarters in Basra
At the same time, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — an umbrella organization of paramilitary groups that form part of Iraq’s official security forces — announced that their headquarters in Basra were targeted in an airstrike in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to the organization’s statement, two people were wounded, while authorities are conducting an on-site assessment and evaluating the extent of the damage. Basra is located in southeastern Iraq, near the border with Iran.
US and Saudi Arabia conduct joint strikes
Joint airstrikes were also carried out against Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq, as announced by the armed forces of both the United States and Saudi Arabia. According to both countries, the strikes were a direct response to attacks on American military forces and Saudi oil facilities.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 29, 2026
Oil prices climbed more than 3% in the early morning hours, shortly after Asian markets opened, following the US military’s announcement that it had intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Iran against its bases in the Middle East — marking the first flare-up of hostilities between the two countries after several days of relative calm.
This is huge.
First time the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have announced joint action against Iran.
U.S. and Saudi forces carried out precision strikes in eastern Iraq, targeting Iran-backed militia weapons and logistics sites after more than 30 drone attacks over the past 72 hours. pic.twitter.com/OkGtNKwUYl
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) July 29, 2026
WTI crude, the American benchmark, rose 3.67% to $82.17 per barrel, while Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, gained 3.39% to reach $86.94 per barrel, reversing losses recorded in the previous 24 hours.
What are the Popular Mobilization Forces?
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were established in 2014, when the Islamic State (ISIS) launched a large-scale offensive in Iraq. Initially, they formed a network of volunteers and paramilitary organizations that fought alongside government forces and played a decisive role in the defeat of ISIS. In 2016, the PMF were officially incorporated into Iraq’s state security apparatus.
However, several of the most powerful groups within the PMF maintain close ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and form part of Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” alongside Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. These Iran-backed organizations have repeatedly launched attacks against US forces and their allies across the Middle East.
