US and Saudi Arabia conduct joint strikes in Iraq amid renewed Middle East tensions

The United States and Saudi Arabia executed joint military strikes against Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq on Tuesday, marking a renewed escalation following days of relative calm. The joint operation followed Saudi defense forces intercepting multiple drones originating from Iraq that targeted domestic oil facilities. In the Red Sea, Yemen's Houthi movement reported launching ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker for allegedly breaching their blockade.

Concurrently, reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli strikes are still resulting in civilian casualties, raising questions over the effectiveness of the United States-brokered ceasefire established in October. Despite the military activity, global crude oil prices continued their downward trend as financial markets weighed the potential for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde