Iran launched multiple missiles at American forces, U.S. military says

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting American forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, shattering a brief lull in hostilities as mediators sought to restart negotiations and broker a ceasefire. The U.S. military confirmed the attacks, with U.S. Central Command stating that all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. Forces "remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness," the command added.

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remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.

The missile launches ended a short period of calm between the U.S. and Iran, which had not announced attacks for several days following weeks of escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil normally flows, had been effectively closed by Iran since the war began. Iran had demanded that ships use a route near its coastline and suggested it could charge fees for passage.

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once again launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-affiliated terrorist militias.

These events unfolded after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drone attacks, allegedly fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, for the second consecutive day. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen also claimed responsibility for forcing a Saudi oil tanker to turn around as part of their self-styled blockade of the kingdom. The Saudi Defense Ministry stated that air defenses destroyed several drones targeting petroleum facilities in the nation's eastern region, attributing the attacks to "Iran-affiliated terrorist militias" operating from Iraqi territory. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the claims.

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preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly countries.