US and Saudi forces carried out airstrikes in eastern Iraq on Wednesday in retaliation against Iran-backed militants. The US military said in a statement that American and Saudi warplanes targeted logistics and weapons facilities belonging to "Iran-aligned terrorists" in the region.
The Saudi defense ministry also said the strikes were against "Iran-loyal terrorist militias," which it linked to attacks on the kingdom's oil facilities.
The joint air operation took place as US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the Middle East war began in late February.
The US administration described the roughly hour-and-a-half-long closed-door meeting as "positive and productive." In a video message after the meeting, Netanyahu said, "It was one of the best meetings I've had with the US president," and added that they discussed "ensuring our shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."
Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed on Wednesday to have attacked and stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting "full control" over the waterway. Tehran had earlier this week announced talks with Oman, which borders the strait, to ensure the safe passage of maritime shipping.
Crude oil prices rose more than 4% as the new tensions in the Middle East heightened global supply concerns.
The lull in days-long clashes ended on Tuesday night. US forces reported intercepting missiles fired by Iran at American bases in the Gulf.
Trump and Netanyahu's agenda
Trump and Netanyahu were expected to discuss the implementation of the US-brokered framework agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon last month. Implementation on the ground is said to be facing difficulties.
The talks were also expected to cover Gaza, where diplomatic efforts for the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory have stalled. However, it was not clear as of Wednesday whether the leaders discussed these issues.
Trump posted photos with Netanyahu in the Oval Office on social media, along with the message "Very good meeting!" and stated, "Frankly, many important topics were discussed."
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said Netanyahu's visit came "at a critical time for the Middle East," with Iran continuing to "choose terror over negotiation" and block the Strait of Hormuz.
