Iran launches ballistic missiles at US forces in Middle East, shattering brief ceasefire
The US military intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American forces in Jordan on Tuesday, ending a three-day pause in hostilities that had raised hopes for negotiations.
The US military said on Tuesday that it intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) towards US forces in the Middle East. The attack, described as an 'attempted surprise attack' by US Central Command, occurred at 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time, shattering a brief halt in fighting that began over the weekend.
The Attack
Centcom stated that IRGC forces had launched the missiles from Iran, with all projectiles successfully intercepted. While the command did not specify the target location, Axios reported that the missiles were aimed at a US base in Jordan, citing a US official. US forces remain on high alert, Centcom added.
Diplomatic Context
The launch followed a three-day pause in hostilities, a period during which neither side had conducted strikes. US President Donald Trump had expressed optimism on Monday, stating there was a 'good chance' of progress in negotiations. He told Axios that "very good talks" were underway. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei contradicted Trump's assessment, insisting that Iran is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States, though mediators could relay messages.
Background to the War
The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, with Tehran retaliating against Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases. The recent escalation in mid-July followed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transit. Iran has sought to charge fees for passage near its coastline, while the US has been protecting ships using a southern route.
Netanyahu's White House Visit
Hours before the Iranian attack, Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for the first time since the war began. The meeting was described as 'positive and productive' by Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt. Netanyahu called the discussion one of his best with Trump. The visit came amid reported tensions: while Trump has focused on diplomacy, Israel reportedly wants the conflict to continue.
Regional Dynamics
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones fired from Iraq by Iran-backed militias for a second consecutive day. The Saudi Defense Ministry blamed 'terrorist attacks' on Iran-linked groups, targeting oil facilities. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation. The umbrella group for Iraqi militias, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, denied involvement and suggested the Houthis were responsible. The Houthis had previously claimed attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
Military Concerns
CNN reported that the US decision to halt strikes may have been influenced by concerns over depleting munitions. Vice President JD Vance and General Dan Caine expressed worries about escalation and dwindling supplies of air defense munitions like Patriot missiles, according to informed sources cited by the New York Times.
