Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia from Iraq, according to insiders.

Saudi Arabia and the United States launched joint airstrikes against targets in Iraq on Wednesday following reports that Yemen’s Houthi rebels had carried out attacks on Saudi territory from Iraqi soil. According to two individuals with access to intelligence shared by Saudi Arabia and its allies, the Houthi groups coordinated with armed local factions in Iraq to strike oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia. The attacks were attributed to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to the sources. In response, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. conducted air strikes targeting suspected militant positions in Iraq. The Saudi government officially blamed Iran-backed Iraqi groups for the attacks, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for the assaults. Iraq announced it would investigate the incidents, and Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi canceled a planned visit to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The attacks highlight growing coordination among Iran-aligned forces within the so-called axis of resistance, according to analysts. Farea al-Muslimi of the Chatham House think tank noted that there is now direct coordination and mutual training among members of the network, rather than through intermediaries like Iran. This shift comes after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has elevated Iraq’s role as a key node in this regional alliance. The Houthis have long collaborated with Iraqi militias such as Kataib Hezbollah, and both groups operate a joint command center since 2024. The more than 800-kilometer-long and difficult-to-monitor border between Iraq and Saudi Arabia provides these groups with an ideal base for covert operations. The collaboration between the Houthis and Iraqi militias has intensified in recent months, with both sides using the shared infrastructure to plan and execute attacks. The joint command center allows for real-time communication and strategic alignment, making it harder for external powers to track or disrupt their activities. Analysts suggest that the increased coordination reflects broader efforts by Iran to strengthen its influence in the region and counter Western and Gulf-led military initiatives. The attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure underscore the escalating tensions between Iran and its adversaries, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Syria and Lebanon. Iraq’s decision to investigate the attacks signals a potential internal debate over how to manage its relationships with regional actors. While the country has historically maintained a neutral stance toward the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the involvement of Iranian-backed groups in cross-border attacks complicates this position. Prime Minister al-Saidi’s cancellation of his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman suggests diplomatic strains, though officials have not yet commented publicly on the reasons behind the change. The Iraqi government faces pressure to balance its ties with Iran and its neighbors, especially as the country continues to host thousands of displaced persons from Syria and other regions. The Saudi-U.S. airstrikes represent a renewed escalation in the conflict, with both sides demonstrating willingness to take direct action against perceived threats. The targeting of Iraqi militant positions indicates a broader strategy to disrupt the flow of weapons and support to groups like the Houthis. However, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain, given the complex web of alliances and funding networks that sustain these groups. The situation also raises concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for further destabilization in the region. As the situation develops, international observers will be watching closely for signs of de-escalation or continued confrontation. The involvement of Iraq in these attacks highlights the country’s evolving role in regional security dynamics, even as it struggles with domestic challenges. With the border between Iraq and Saudi Arabia remaining a critical point of contention, the coming weeks could see further shifts in the balance of power among regional actors. For now, the focus remains on the immediate consequences of the latest clashes and the implications for future stability in the Middle East.