Elena Becatoros

Iran launched a new barrage of missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East after U.S. and Saudi aircraft struck Tehran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters, including six Iranian advisers according to Iraqi militia officials. The escalation followed attacks by Iran-aligned groups on U.S. and Saudi interests, including oil facilities and shipping routes. The fighting threatens regional energy supplies and the fragile diplomatic process surrounding the Iran nuclear deal, while officials in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States weighed further responses and efforts to prevent a broader conflict.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement said it attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns that the Iran-U.S. conflict could expand to another vital shipping route. The incident followed threats to block Saudi-linked maritime traffic and came as oil prices rose above $100 per barrel amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities reported fires or possible strikes on several vessels, though no casualties were initially reported. The United States and Iran continued exchanging attacks, while Saudi Arabia and other regional actors faced growing shipping and security risks.

Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a wildfire west of Athens, killing a Greek coordinator and a Danish pilot. Strong winds fueled evacuations in Greece, while major fires in France and Spain affected thousands of residents and destroyed homes. The report places the disasters in the context of increasingly severe European wildfire seasons and climate change, citing data showing record fire damage and rising temperatures.