article author: Robert Edwards Author: Wed, 2026-07-29 23: 01 LONDON: Joint US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq on Wednesday exposed the depth of Tehran’s military network inside the country, where militias have evolved from insurgent movements into some of the most powerful political and security actors in the Iraqi state. The operation, which followed more than 30 drone attacks over three days targeting Saudi Arabia’s petroleum infrastructure and US military sites in the region, has reignited debate over whether Baghdad can prevent its territory becoming a launchpad for wider regional conflict. Main category: Middle East Tags: War in Iran Editor’s Choice Iraqi militias Special



