American forces intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile attack in the Middle East on Tuesday, the US military said, with the strikes coming after a short lull in hostilities and amid efforts by mediators to bring both sides back toward negotiations.
The US Central Command said all of the missiles were intercepted and that American forces “remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.”
Also Read | Planning to work in the US? Here’s why H-1B applicants are worried
At 5:45 p.m. ET today, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 28, 2026
US and Saudi retaliation
The missile barrage was followed by joint US and Saudi airstrikes on sites used by Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq.
Central Command said US and Saudi fighter aircraft hit “multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq” in response to what it described as more than 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks over the previous 72 hours.
The command also warned that the Revolutionary Guard and its proxies “must cease these attacks to avoid further US military response.”
🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS 🚨
— Corefrontline (@corefrontline) July 29, 2026
🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump Vows to Hit Iran Hard: ‘They’re Going to Get a Beating’ Following Jordan Base Strike
Early on July 29, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired multiple ballistic missiles at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. US forces intercepted every incoming… pic.twitter.com/9H06DyYGay
Saudi claims and Iraqi response
Saudi Arabia separately said its air defences had shot down drones launched by Iran-backed militias in Iraq for a second day, with the drones said to have been aimed at petroleum facilities in the kingdom’s eastern region.
Iraq’s prime minister ordered security agencies to investigate after the Saudi accusations, while Iraqi military officials said they were committed to preventing Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks on neighboring states.
The militias denied involvement, while an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions called the Saudi claims “fabrications.”
🚨BREAKING: US CENTCOM Claims All Of Iran’s Ballistic Missiles Were Intercepted
— MintPress News (@MintPressNews) July 28, 2026
However, there is footage & photos suggesting otherwise, while locals reported impacts.
NOTE: CENTCOM also claimed on July 17 that Iran’s strikes had not injured a single soldier, in a statement… pic.twitter.com/RfZx5gPULA
Regional tensions widen
The renewed fighting comes after a brief period of calm around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where tensions had already raised concern over shipping and energy flows.
The US military said the latest missile attack was turned back without damage from the incoming missiles, but the wider conflict has continued to spread across multiple fronts, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.
NDTV reported that Iran had no immediate comment on the US military statement or the retaliatory strikes.
The Pentagon, meanwhile, has rejected concerns about dwindling interceptor stocks, saying the military has what it needs to carry out the president’s orders.
Also Read | US Federal Reserve holds rates at 3.50%-3.75% after divided vote
FAQs
Q1: What did the US say happened in the latest Iranian missile attack?
The US military said it intercepted all Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American forces, preventing any reported damage.
Q2: Why did the US launch strikes in eastern Iraq?
The US said it targeted sites used by Iran-backed militias in response to a series of drone attacks directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
