Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at United States forces in the Middle East in an attempted surprise attack, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), marking a direct escalation hours after diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran were publicly disclosed.
The incoming munitions were aimed at American forces based in the region, with a senior U.S. official confirming to Axios that an American base in Jordan was specifically targeted. CENTCOM stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the ballistic missiles from Iranian territory at 5:45 p.m. ET.
All incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted, according to CENTCOM, which added that U.S. forces remained vigilant and maintained a high state of readiness. Open-source intelligence trackers shared multiple videos capturing intense air-defense maneuvers over Jordan, including activity near Muwaffaq Salti Air Base where U.S. Patriot missile systems reportedly engaged the incoming threats.
Diplomatic Context and White House Meetings
The missile strike occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The discussions lasted approximately 90 minutes and were characterized by the White House as positive and productive, though few specific details were released to the public.
The incident represents Iran’s first reported ballistic missile attack on an American facility since Trump suspended U.S. strikes against the Islamic Republic on Friday. Addressing reporters on Monday, Trump asserted that Washington and Tehran were engaged in very friendly negotiations, while simultaneously warning that the U.S. would resort to strong military action if diplomacy failed.
Trump stated that he had paused the bombing campaign to give negotiations space to proceed, while reiterating threats of severe military retaliation if a formal agreement could not be reached.
Strait of Hormuz Negotiations and Regional Tensions
Ongoing diplomatic discussions primarily center on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has publicly denied holding direct talks with Washington, insisting that it is communicating exclusively with Oman regarding arrangements for the critical waterway.
The fragile diplomatic pause follows nearly two weeks of renewed U.S. airstrikes and retaliatory Iranian actions. Those hostilities erupted after the collapse of a 14-point memorandum that had previously established a temporary ceasefire, lifted the American naval blockade, and provided for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while longer-term terms were negotiated.
