Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Forces as Regional Tensions Escalate

Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Forces as Regional Tensions Escalate.

Airstrikes intercepted by CENTCOM as Saudi Arabia joins US in Iraq strikes, oil prices surge on Strait of Hormuz fears

July 29, 2026 – The fragile calm between the United States and Iran shattered on July 28 when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting American forces across the Middle East. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that all incoming missiles were intercepted, with no reported casualties from the attack .

The strikes, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. ET, reportedly targeted a US base in Jordan among other locations . Jordanian air defense systems played a role in intercepting several missiles that entered the kingdom’s airspace, with officials confirming that debris was secured without damage or injuries.

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CENTCOM stated that US forces remain at high readiness following the attack, which came after several days of relative calm. The US had recently paused its multi-night bombing campaign against Iranian targets, which had stretched for approximately 13 consecutive nights.

Joint US-Saudi Strikes in Iraq

Hours after the Iranian missile attack, American and Saudi forces carried out joint precision strikes against Iran-aligned militia targets in Iraq. The operation marks notable Saudi involvement in the escalating conflict, with Riyadh stating the strikes were limited to militia military warehouses responsible for recent drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

A senior Saudi official emphasized that the military action was directed solely at “Iran-backed terrorist militias” and not at the Iraqi government or its people . The official said the strikes came only after all diplomatic and political avenues had been exhausted and after Saudi Arabia had exercised maximum restraint over recent months.

Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) reported that the strikes resulted in at least 20 killed and 32 wounded, describing the action as a “dangerous escalation” against Iraqi sovereignty . The Iraqi presidency condemned the attacks while reiterating that Iraqi territory would not be allowed to serve as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring countries.

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Iran Claims Strait of Hormuz Control

Iranian sources reported additional actions targeting three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the vessels were struck after ignoring warnings. The IRGC announced it continues to exercise “full control and management” over the strategic waterway, which carries approximately 20% of the world’s traded oil and gas.

According to Iranian media, two oil tankers were attacked while attempting to pass through the strait under US military escort, with four other vessels forced to turn back . CENTCOM rejected Iran’s claims about unsafe transit conditions, saying US forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels through the strait.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting Precedes Attack

The Iranian offensive came hours after President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on July 28 . Described by officials as “positive and productive,” the meeting focused heavily on Iran, including intelligence regarding Iranian nuclear activity at a site known as Pickaxe Mountain.

However, tensions appeared to surface before the meeting when Trump publicly questioned why Netanyahu had announced he was bringing new intelligence about Pickaxe Mountain to Washington . “I don’t need Bibi to tell me that. Bibi is telling me that because he wants me to stay involved,” Trump told Fox News . “We know exactly what is going on.”

Analysts note a disagreement between Trump’s stated preference for diplomacy and Netanyahu’s apparent belief that further military action may be necessary. Experts suggest the Israeli leader’s Washington influence has diminished, with Trump focused on managing an expensive and unpopular war.

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Oil Prices Surge

Oil prices climbed more than 3-5% in reaction to the attacks, with Brent crude rising amid fears of disruption to Persian Gulf energy shipments . The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint, and both the US and Iran have imposed blockades affecting maritime traffic.

Shipping tracking data shows vessel activity through the strait has dropped considerably as the conflict intensifies . Saudi Arabia has reportedly begun diverting more oil through the Red Sea and Suez Canal to reduce dependence on the Hormuz passage.

The situation remains highly fluid, with no major new strikes reported in the hours following the initial exchange. However, tensions are elevated and the risk of further escalation continues. Mediators had been attempting to revive talks on the Strait of Hormuz and a potential ceasefire before yesterday’s attack.

President Trump has signaled openness to diplomacy while warning that stronger action remains possible if Iran refuses to negotiate . Iranian leaders have repeatedly stated they will not allow oil and gas exports through the strait as long as US attacks continue.

US officials have not indicated what response, if any, is planned following the attempted missile attack. CENTCOM has not released further statements beyond confirming the successful interception and the continued high readiness of American forces in the region.