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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Suzan Fraser and Joseph Krauss

Here's why new fronts seem to be opening up across the Middle East

Iran Middle East United States Iraq Egypt Israel Drone Hezbollah Saudi Arabia Oil
Funerals for Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces fighters, in photos - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Houthi rebels in Yemen said they attacked Saudi oil facilities. The Saudis blamed militias in Iraq and joined the United States in bombing them. Iran fired missiles at Jordan. Drones set ships ablaze in Egypt.

But it’s not actually as complicated as it sounds, and it’s all related to the broader war between the United States and Iran, currently focused on the Strait of Hormuz.

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