💥 U.S.-SAUDI IRAQ STRIKES EXPAND AS RED SEA AND EGYPT RISKS GROW
🕑 Published: July 30, 2026 · 1:30 AM Israel time
💥 U.S.-SAUDI STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN-BACKED FORCES IN IRAQ: President Trump said the attack on Iran-backed Iraqi militias was conducted in coordination with the Iraqi government.
“I am considering additional warnings against Iranian proxies,” he added.
The Guardian reported: “Analysts warn that the U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq have pushed the region into 'uncharted territory'”.
A U.S. official said the joint strikes killed approximately 20 Iranian advisers, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and technical advisers.
The targeted sites were specifically selected because Iranian advisers were present and to degrade the factions’ missile and drone capabilities, according to The New York Times.
A reporter asked: “What can you tell us about the tanker attack in Egypt? Is it related to Iran?”.
Trump replied: “I've been briefed. It's a little more of the same”.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Wednesday following the joint strikes. Riyadh believes Iran will continue escalating through Iraqi factions and the Houthis, according to CNN.
⚓ HOUTHI MARITIME THREATS AND A NEW RED SEA COALITION: Reuters reported that the Houthis were considering imposing fees on ships passing through the Red Sea via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis denied the report and said they had no plans to impose such fees.
Saudi Arabia is expected to announce a new international coalition to counter the Houthis in the Red Sea. The Kingdom is seeking assistance from approximately 50 countries, but the United States has not committed to deploying troops, according to Al-Monitor.
⚓ CONFLICTING REPORTS OF DRONE ATTACKS OFF EGYPT: Maritime security firm Ambrey reported that a U.S.-owned and operated LNG floating storage facility, flying the Marshall Islands flag, was struck by at least one UAV off Damietta, Egypt.
Egyptian security officials told Al Hadath that no drone attack occurred at Damietta Port. They said the incident was caused by an engine-room fire aboard a decommissioned vessel.
Ambrey separately reported: “A Greek LNG carrier, flying the flag of Bermuda, has been targeted by at least one drone attack at Damietta Port”.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker operated near Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip for approximately three hours before returning to Israel. The flight pattern was unusual for the aircraft.
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