The United States military intercepted ballistic missiles fired by Iran across the Middle East, according to a Wednesday statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM). The launch involved multiple ballistic missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in what CENTCOM described on X as an “attempted surprise attack on US forces based in the Middle East.”
CENTCOM Interceptions and Regional Impacts
All incoming missiles were successfully intercepted, according to CENTCOM, which added that US forces remain vigilant and maintain a high state of readiness. The Jordan News Agency reported five missile interceptions over Jordan during the incident. Meanwhile, the IRGC stated via Iran’s IRIB broadcaster that its air force targeted a US airbase and a Central Command center in Jordan with several ballistic missiles.
“As long as threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue and illegal and vicious actions by American forces against our interests continue, the resistance will continue,” the IRGC said in its statement. Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, noted that the escalation appeared to be a pre-emptive attack rather than a reactionary measure by Iran.
Did you know?
Following the confirmation of Iran’s missile attack, US oil futures jumped more than 4 percent to exceed $82 a barrel, while Brent crude futures climbed above $88 a barrel, according to market data.
Joint US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq
The missile interceptions coincided with joint US-Saudi air strikes in Iraq on Wednesday that killed at least 20 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and wounded 32 others, according to the group. These strikes marked the first major US military action in the Middle East since last Friday, when US President Donald Trump suspended an intensive bombing campaign after 13 days, citing “good talks” underway with Iran.
Saudi Arabia and CENTCOM confirmed the joint air strikes targeted Iran-backed militias responsible for attacks on US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure. The Iraqi presidency condemned the action as an “unacceptable attack” on PMF facilities—which Al Jazeera’s Jack Hewson said are legally part of Iraq’s state forces—stating opposition to any violation of Iraqi territory or the use of Iraqi land as a launching pad against neighboring countries.
Diplomatic Pressure and Hormuz Shipping Tensions
The Iranian strikes occurred while President Trump met at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been pushing for war on Iran. Alan Fisher, reporting for Al Jazeera from Washington, DC, suggested the strikes served as a message from Tehran regarding its demand for a seat at diplomatic discussions. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remained a focal point of friction after the IRGC stated it struck and stopped three oil tankers that ignored warnings and navigated along an unsafe and illegal route, according to the Tasnim news agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who launched the ballistic missiles intercepted by the US military?
The ballistic missiles were launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to US Central Command.
What casualties were reported from the joint US-Saudi strikes in Iraq?
The strikes killed at least 20 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and wounded 32 others, according to the group.
How did oil markets react to the latest military escalations?
US oil futures jumped more than 4 percent to surpass $82 a barrel, and Brent crude futures rose above $88 a barrel following confirmation of the attack.
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