The United States military successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting a U.S. base in Jordan. This attack marks the first such assault since President Trump paused U.S. strikes against Iran to facilitate diplomatic negotiations. In response, U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft conducted joint airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia sites in eastern Iraq.
The missile barrage occurred at 5:45 p.m. ET, with the IRGC launching multiple missiles aimed at the U.S. military base in Jordan. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described the incident as an attempted surprise attack. In retaliation, U.S. and Saudi forces targeted several logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
This escalation follows a series of over 30 drone attacks reportedly directed by the IRGC over the past 72 hours. Earlier this month, a similar missile and drone attack by Iran on the same Jordanian base resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members, prompting a 13-night campaign of intensified U.S. airstrikes.
The Pentagon has introduced a new classification in its Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) to account for recent U.S. military casualties resulting from renewed engagements with Iran, following the official end of "Operation Epic Fury." This new category, "Overseas Operations," now includes four U.S. soldiers killed and dozens wounded this month during resumed hostilities.
The renewed hostilities occurred as President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Both leaders described the 90-minute meeting as "productive," signaling a diplomatic success for Netanyahu amid recent tensions over the ongoing Iran war.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The international community is closely monitoring developments, as further military actions could have significant implications for regional stability and global security.