US-Iran conflict enters new phase as Saudi Arabia helps hit proxies and diplomacy stalls again - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reports that the conflict between the United States and Iran has moved into a more volatile phase, with Saudi Arabia publicly joining U.S. military action against Tehran-backed groups while diplomatic efforts again appear stalled. AP says both U.S. and Iranian-linked military activity over the past 24 hours has raised concerns about a broader regional war, despite several days of relative calm.

According to AP, Iran said it launched ballistic missiles at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a major U.S. military hub, and President Donald Trump said the missiles were intercepted. The U.S. military later announced what it described as a strong response to attempted Iranian attacks on American forces in the region, though AP reported that the targets were not immediately disclosed. Saudi Arabia also joined U.S. strikes on logistics and weapons sites used by Iran-backed militias in Iraq after drone attacks on the kingdom.

AP also reported that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met separately with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in Washington. People familiar with the meetings told AP that Saudi leaders wanted to signal they would not accept attacks on their oil sector or critical infrastructure, while also urging de-escalation and a return to U.S.-Iran talks.

The diplomacy remains uncertain. AP cited Iran’s deputy foreign minister as saying Tehran had not asked to restart negotiations in more than two weeks, contradicting Trump allies’ claims that Iran wants talks. The fighting has added pressure on the Trump administration ahead of November midterm elections, with AP noting U.S. troop casualties, economic disruption and concerns over air defense stockpiles.