US and Iran exchange missile attacks as conflict escalates

A major escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has shattered a brief pause in hostilities, with both sides launching new attacks across the Middle East. The renewed fighting comes just after U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first in-person meeting since the war began on February 28.

On Tuesday, July 28, U.S. Central Command stated that it had intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in what it described as an attempted surprise attack on American forces in the Middle East. The military said all missiles were successfully intercepted. In a separate statement, Jordan’s military confirmed its air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, July 29.

In retaliation for what it called unlawful American conduct, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a precision ballistic missile strike targeting a U.S. airbase in Jordan housing Central Command elements. The IRGC stated the attack was a direct response to recent U.S. aggression. Concurrently, Iran also claimed it struck and halted three oil tankers in the...