- The United States military intercepted ballistic missiles fired by Iran across the Middle East in an attempted surprise attack on US forces.
- All missiles were intercepted, and US forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.
- Five missile interceptions were reported over Jordan, according to the Jordan News Agency.
- The IRGC targeted a US airbase and Central Command centre in Jordan, “with several ballistic missiles”.
- The Iranian attacks targeting US bases coincided with Trump meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been pushing for war on Iran.
- The IRGC stated, “As long as threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue... the resistance will continue”.
- Trump had called off a two-week US bombing campaign on Iran on July 24, claiming that “good talks” were under way with Iran.
- Trump has threatened to restart strikes if negotiations stagnate, while Iran has denied seeking to resume talks with Washington.
- “This is Iran sending a message to Trump that they need to be involved in all discussions”, said Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher.
- Jason Campbell stated that Tehran is “trying to retake the initiative and the momentum” with these latest attacks.
- US oil futures jumped more than 4 percent to more than $82 a barrel after the US military confirmed the Iranian attack.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting US bases in the Middle East, which were intercepted by US forces, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The attacks occurred during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, escalating regional tensions.6
The IRGC stated that the strikes were aimed at a US airbase and Central Command center in Jordan, emphasizing that as long as threats against Iran persist, their resistance will continue. “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 declared.
The missile interceptions were confirmed, with reports indicating five interceptions over Jordan. “US forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” CENTCOM added. The Iranian attacks are seen as a message to Trump regarding Iran's need for involvement in ongoing discussions, as noted by Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher.
Analysts suggest that Tehran is attempting to regain the initiative with these actions. “Tehran is trying to retake the initiative and the momentum with these latest attacks,” said Jason Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. The situation has also impacted oil prices, with US oil futures rising over 4% to more than $82 a barrel.
“The US military intercepted all missiles fired by Iran, with five interceptions reported over Jordan. The Iranian attacks coincide with Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who advocates for military action against Iran, indicating a significant escalation in regional tensions.”
