July 29: Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in what the US military described as an “attempted surprise attack” targeting American forces in the Middle East, ending a brief lull in hostilities between the two countries.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack took place at around 5:45 p.m. EDT (9:45 p.m. GMT) on Tuesday. The military said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted and no casualties or damage were immediately reported. The locations targeted were not disclosed.
Iran had not officially commented on the incident at the time of reporting. The missile attack came despite recent indications of renewed diplomatic efforts, with US President Donald Trump a day earlier describing talks with Tehran as “very friendly negotiations” and expressing hope for progress.
The latest escalation coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where he met President Trump. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted several drones targeting petroleum facilities in the country’s eastern region, alleging the drones were launched by Iran-backed militia groups operating from Iraqi territory.
The fresh exchange has raised concerns over renewed instability in the Middle East, potentially jeopardising ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
