Iran attacks US bases in Middle East as Trump meets Netanyahu | Donald Trump News
U.S. Military Intercepts Iranian Missile Attacks in the Middle East
The United States military reported on Wednesday that it successfully intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aimed at U.S. forces in the Middle East.
In a statement posted on X, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) characterized the missile launches as an “attempted surprise attack” against American personnel stationed in the region. All missiles were intercepted, and U.S. forces remain “vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” according to the CENTCOM announcement.
Jordan News Agency reported that five missile interceptions took place over Jordan. The IRGC asserted that its air force targeted a U.S. airbase and a Central Command center located in Jordan with “several ballistic missiles.”
In a statement broadcast by Iran’s IRIB, the IRGC emphasized that as long as the perceived threats from the United States persist, its resistance efforts will continue.
Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, described the missile strikes as a potential pre-emptive measure rather than a reactive response. Tensions have been exacerbated by recent U.S. military actions, including a two-week bombing campaign on Iran that U.S. President Donald Trump called off on July 24, citing “good talks” in progress with Iranian officials.
Serdar noted that the recent missile strikes could significantly impact ongoing mediation efforts between the two nations. Trump has threatened to resume military action if negotiations stall, while Iran has denied any intention to re-engage in talks with Washington.
The Iranian missile strikes coincided with Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who advocates for a hardline stance against Iran. Analysts suggested that the missile launch serves as a message from Iran to the U.S., highlighting the need for Iranian involvement in regional discussions.
Jason Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, posited that Iran’s actions reflect a desire to regain the initiative amid ongoing tensions. He indicated that Iran may interpret U.S. pauses in military action as preparation for further conflict.
Following the missile interceptions, U.S. oil futures surged more than 4% to over $82 a barrel, while Brent crude prices exceeded $88. This uptick in oil prices occurred after earlier declines prompted by a temporary suspension of U.S. military strikes.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route, have also been a focal point of U.S. concerns regarding Iran’s maritime activities. The IRGC stated on Wednesday that it had “struck and stopped” three oil tankers operating in the strait, claiming they were ignoring warnings and operating along a “unsafe and illegal route.”
Despite proposals from Oman to jointly manage shipping traffic in the strait, Iran has rejected calls for a shared management approach. Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi expressed Tehran’s preference to oversee shipping on its side of the waterway, without an equal division of routes.
