Key pointsThe US military says it intercepted a “surprise attack” by Iran targeting American forces. US and Saudi Arabian forces later carried out joint strikes against Iran-aligned targets in Iraq. Main storyTensions in the Middle East escalated on Tuesday after the United States said it intercepted what it described as a “surprise attack” by Iran targeting American forces in the region before launching joint military strikes with Saudi Arabia against Iran-aligned targets in Iraq. Hours later, CENTCOM said American and Saudi Arabian forces conducted coordinated strikes against what it described as Iran-aligned terrorist targets in Iraq. Bottom lineThe coordinated US-Saudi strikes and Iran’s attempted attack on American forces mark a sharp escalation in regional tensions, increasing uncertainty over the security situation in the Middle East.