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US intercepts 'surprise' Iran missile attack on its Middle East forces

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran at US forces in the Middle East late Tuesday, which the US military described as an "attempted surprise attack."
  • US Central Command (Centcom) stated that all Iranian missiles were intercepted and that US forces remain vigilant and ready.
  • The incident occurred after a brief lull in fighting, with mediators attempting to restart negotiations, and follows recent escalations involving attacks on ships and drones in the region.

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting US forces in the Middle East late Tuesday, shattering a brief pause in regional hostilities, according to the US military. US Central Command (Centcom) described the action as an "attempted surprise attack" by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Centcom confirmed that all Iranian missiles were intercepted and that US forces are maintaining a high state of readiness. The target was reportedly a US base in Jordan. This escalation follows a weekend of relative calm, during which mediators were working to bring both sides back to negotiations and toward a ceasefire.

At 5.45pm ET today, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on US forces based in the Middle East.

— US Central Command (Centcom)Statement on X detailing the missile launch and its nature.

The latest flare-up disrupts efforts to de-escalate tensions that had seen nightly strikes by the United States on Iran and missile and drone attacks by Tehran against Washington's allies. Previous escalations included Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport.

Mediators had hoped for progress, especially after a lull in fighting led to a drop in oil prices and positive remarks from former US President Donald Trump regarding negotiation prospects. However, the missile launch signals a significant setback for diplomatic efforts and raises concerns about further instability in the region.

US forces “remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness”.

— US Central Command (Centcom)Statement on X confirming the interception of missiles and the readiness of US troops.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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