Iran launches renewed missile attacks as US, Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American forces in the Middle East on Wednesday as the U.S. partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Tehran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.

Elsewhere, drone strikes ignited fires on two natural gas vessels at the Egyptian port of Damietta, according to Ambrey, a British maritime security firm.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the strikes on a U.S.-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned tanker.

No injuries were reported.

The flare-up on multiple fronts after several days of relative calm raised the risk of a return to all-out war.

It also underscored the difficulty of winding down a five-month conflict that has jolted the world economy and is unpopular among Americans .

The fighting was also likely to add to concerns that the U.S. is further drawing down already diminished stockpiles of sophisticated munitions needed to defend its bases and allies.

Egypt, a close U.S. ally and regional mediator, is one of the only countries in the Middle East to have ...