Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East late on Tuesday, shattering a brief pause in fighting as mediators tried to get both sides back to negotiations and toward a ceasefire, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The attempted surprise attack targeted a US base in Jordan, a US official told Axios, though all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by defense systems.
Ballistic Missile Attack Shatters Regional Ceasefire Pause
The strike disrupted a fragile quiet that had held over the weekend following nearly two weeks of nightly US airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory drone salvoes targeting Washington’s allies across the Gulf. Oil prices had plummeted during the brief lull, and Donald Trump previously stated there was a “good chance” of progress in ongoing negotiations to end the conflict.
However, the temporary stability unraveled following maritime disputes in the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil normally flows. An interim ceasefire deal signed in June gave way to a fresh contest for control over the narrow waterway. Tehran has demanded that commercial vessels utilize a route near its coastline to pay transit fees. In response, shipping traffic increasingly navigated a southern route along the coast of Oman backed by US operations, prompting Iranian attacks on several vessels.
Did you know?
Approximately 20% of the world’s oil normally flows through the Strait of Hormuz, making secure navigation in the waterway critical for global energy markets.
Simultaneous Militant Strikes and Maritime Blockades
Beyond the direct missile exchange involving Iran, regional proxies escalated operations on multiple fronts. Early on Wednesday, US and Saudi warplanes carried out joint strikes against Iran-backed militants in Iraq after accusing them of launching drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate the alleged drone strikes, emphasizing that Iraq remains committed to preventing its territory from being used as a launch point against friendly nations. Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed organizations—denied any involvement, dismissing the Saudi allegations as “fabrications” and implying that the Houthis carried out the operations.
In Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for forcing a Saudi oil tanker to turn around as part of a newly announced self-styled blockade on Saudi shipping. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed that a commercial tanker in the southern Red Sea reported hearing explosions nearby, though the crew and vessel remained safe.
High-Level Diplomacy Amid Domestic Pressures
The sudden escalation coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, DC. Israel has remained notably absent from the recent direct military exchanges between the US and Iran.
Netanyahu described an “excellent” meeting with Donald Trump at the White House—their first face-to-face discussion since launching the war—providing an opportunity to mend strained relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the closed-door meeting, which lasted roughly an hour and a half, as “positive and productive.”
Both leaders face intense domestic scrutiny. Netanyahu is currently campaigning for reelection amid political fallout tied to his relationship with Trump. At the same time, Trump faces mounting political pressure to conclude an unpopular war that has caused significant economic disruption and driven prices higher ahead of the November midterm elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who launched the ballistic missiles at US forces?
According to US Central Command (Centcom), Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran targeting US forces in the Middle East.
Where did the ballistic missile attack land?
A US official told Axios that Iran’s primary target during the Tuesday evening strike was a US base located in Jordan. Centcom reported that all missiles were successfully intercepted.
What triggered the recent maritime conflict in the Strait of Hormuz?
After an interim ceasefire deal signed in June, a dispute emerged over shipping routes. Iran demanded that vessels use a coastline route to incur fees, while US operations escorted ships along a southern route near Oman, leading to Iranian attacks on several vessels.
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