Iran Launches Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Forces in the Middle East

On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired a salvo of ballistic missiles from Iranian territory toward U.S. forces operating in the Middle East. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the missiles were launched at approximately 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time and that all projectiles were intercepted, preventing any casualties or damage. U.S. officials said the missiles were likely aimed at a U.S. air base in Jordan—most plausibly the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base near Azraq—based on intelligence cited by Axios. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard later claimed responsibility, stating the strike targeted a U.S. air base and a command center in Jordan as retaliation for U.S. actions.

Iran Missile Attack on U.S. Forces : An Update

The missile launch occurred amid a broader conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes against Iran, an operation initially dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” Since then, U.S. forces have conducted nightly bombing campaigns across Iran, while Iran has responded with missiles and drones aimed at U.S. installations and regional infrastructure. The war has seen a brief pause in fighting before the July 28 attack, with mediators attempting to revive cease-fire talks.

Iran Missile Attack on U.S. Forces : An Update

Following the missile incident, CENTCOM and the Saudi Arabian military conducted precision strikes in eastern Iraq against sites used by Iran-backed militant groups, which they said had been targeting U.S. forces and Saudi energy facilities. Saudi Arabia confirmed the operation, warned against further aggression, and reported intercepting additional drones launched from Iraq. The Houthi rebels in Yemen, also backed by Iran, claimed attacks on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait, while Iranian state media announced the disabling of three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. These escalations pushed Brent crude prices to roughly $88 a barrel.

Iran Missile Attack on U.S. Forces : An Update

The missile launch coincided with a meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. President Trump had recently paused a major U.S. bombing campaign, citing progress in talks, but warned that military action would resume if negotiations failed. Iran, in separate statements, denied any desire to restart diplomatic talks, and both leaders faced domestic pressure over the war’s economic toll and declining popularity.

Iran Missile Attack on U.S. Forces : An Update