On February 28, 2026, Donald Trump announced that the United States, with the support of Israel, had launched a military operation in Iran to destroy the regime’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. Following this, the Strait of Hormuz, through which over 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade passes, was closed to navigation, leading to a global surge in prices.
April 21 marks the end of the ceasefire agreed upon on April 8 between the United States and Iran. Concurrently, a more discreet war unfolded between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. According to The Wall Street Journal, Iraqi militias supported by Iran launched dozens of explosive drones on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states during these weeks.
Strategic areas targeted by Iraq An evaluation revealed that nearly half of the approximately 1,000 drone attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from Iraq. These numerous attacks targeted highly strategic areas, including a Saudi refinery in Yanbu on the Red Sea and oil fields in the kingdom’s eastern province, as reported by well-informed sources cited by an American media outlet.
Drones launched from Iraq also targeted the only civilian airport in Kuwait. Additionally, attacks were carried out on Gulf countries’ interests in Iraq, such as the Kuwaiti consulate in Basra and the United Arab Emirates consulate in Kurdistan.
It is important to note that Shiite Iraqi militias emerged from the chaos following the American invasion over two decades ago. They defended Shiite areas against Sunni militant attacks and fought against American forces whom they deemed as occupiers. These militias now comprise dozens of groups with around 250,000 members, possessing billions of dollars in funds and a long-range missile arsenal. They have long threatened Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait due to their opposition to Iran and ties with the United States.
Iraq viewed as a “retaliatory zone” by Gulf countries As described by The Wall Street Journal, Gulf countries now see Iraq as a place where they can retaliate without directly attacking Iranian territory and incurring harsher reprisals.
“Iraq is a place where they can all retaliate, and where anything goes,” said Michael Knights, a research director at Horizon Engage strategic consulting firm and researcher at the Washington Institute think tank. He further stated, “If they want to show they are not immune to attacks, this is an excellent place to assert their power.”
