The United States and Saudi Arabia launched retaliatory airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in eastern Iraq, hitting logistics depots and weapons storage sites, the US military confirmed. The strikes targeted what the military described as Iran-aligned terrorists, without providing further details on casualties. The operation comes amid heightened regional tensions and as Oman has proposed a new diplomatic initiative aimed at de-escalating the conflict over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and Iran has previously threatened to disrupt traffic there. The US military said the strikes were in response to recent attacks on coalition forces in the region. The airstrikes mark a significant escalation by the US and its allies against Iranian proxies in Iraq, where such groups have frequently targeted American facilities. The Omani proposal, if successful, could lead to a broader framework for reducing tensions across the Gulf. No immediate comment was available from Iranian or Iraqi officials. The strikes illustrate the ongoing volatility in the region as the US maintains a military presence in Iraq and continues to confront Iran-backed militias.