🌊 U.S.-SAUDI STRIKES AND REGIONAL MARITIME PRESSURE

🕑 Published: July 30, 2026 · 10:50 PM Israel time

💥 U.S. AND SAUDI FORCES STRIKE IRAN-BACKED FACTIONS IN IRAQ: The joint operation followed the Iranian attack on U.S. forces in Jordan and an attack on Saudi energy infrastructure. Aircraft struck logistics, weapons, missile and drone facilities across eastern Iraq and several additional provinces.

Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces initially reported eight members killed and four wounded in Nineveh. It later said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded in strikes across Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, Basra, Kirkuk, Karbala and Diyala.

A U.S. official said approximately 20 Iranian advisers were also killed, including IRGC members and technical personnel. The New York Times reported that the locations were selected because Iranian advisers were present and because the strikes could degrade missile and drone capabilities.

Trump said the operation was coordinated with the Iraqi government and that he was considering additional warnings to Iranian proxies. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman subsequently met Vice President JD Vance in Washington. Riyadh reportedly expects Iran to continue operating through Iraqi factions and the Houthis.

More than 20 U.S. Navy warships are supporting regional missions and enforcement of the American blockade against Iran. As of July 28, CENTCOM had redirected 18 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded two.

⚓ IRAN LINKS HORMUZ ACCESS TO FROZEN ASSETS: Oman has received Gulf backing for a plan allowing Tehran to collect voluntary fees from ships using the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that the IRGC would prevent ships from passing through the strait if their companies or countries accepted compensation taken from frozen Iranian assets.

CENTCOM rejected the threat, stating that Hormuz is an international waterway and that the IRGC has no authority to dictate commercial routes. It said shipping continues with U.S. military support.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Israel and Gulf states are advancing the IMEC land corridor, which he said would eventually reduce Iran’s ability to use Hormuz as strategic leverage.

🛳️ MARITIME PRESSURE EXTENDS TO THE RED SEA AND EGYPT: Reuters reported that the Houthis were considering fees for ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The group denied the report.

Saudi Arabia is expected to announce a coalition involving assistance from approximately 50 countries to counter the Houthis in the Red Sea. The United States has not committed troops, according to Al-Monitor.

Maritime security firm Ambrey reported separate suspected drone attacks against a U.S.-operated LNG storage facility and a Greek LNG carrier near Damietta, Egypt. Egyptian officials denied that a drone attack occurred and attributed the incident to an engine-room fire aboard a decommissioned vessel.

A U.S. KC-135R tanker operated for approximately three hours near the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza before returning to Israel. The flight pattern was considered unusual for the aircraft.

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