US Central Command has said it intercepted a wave of ballistic missiles launched from Iran that it described as a “surprise attack” on American forces in the Middle East, and that allied strikes followed amid a flurry of drone activity credited to Iran-aligned groups.
The announcement came after a meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. CENTCOM said the missiles were launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at 5.45pm ET and that "all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted".
"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"
Immediate military response and regional activity
CENTCOM reported that, across the last 72 hours, more than 30 drone attacks were launched against US forces and Saudi energy targets by groups it described as "Iran-aligned". The US military said Saudi Armed Forces assisted in a separate operation on Tuesday to counter some of these threats.
In response to the attacks, "U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in a strong response", CENTCOM added. The US accused Iran's paramilitary forces of directing the campaign against American personnel and critical infrastructure in the region.
Wider strategic context
The strikes come amid mounting tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. Earlier on Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu made a private visit to the White House — his first since the US and Israel declared a joint campaign against Iran — and both leaders described the meeting in positive terms.
Separately, Reuters reported that Iran is expected to receive an initial shipment of between 300 and 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defence systems, in a deal valued at roughly $60–70 million. The package reportedly includes QW-12 and FN-16 missiles and was arranged via a Hong Kong-based intermediary, according to the report.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Drone attacks in 72 hours | >30 |
| MANPADS expected shipment | 300–400 |
| Estimated contract value | $60–70m |
The combination of intercepted missiles, repeated drone strikes and reported arms acquisitions underlines an escalation in military activity that could further complicate diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict.
- All missiles launched from Iran were, CENTCOM says, intercepted.
- More than 30 drone attacks targeted US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure in recent days.
- US and Saudi aircraft carried out strikes on alleged logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq.
- Reports indicate Iran may soon receive hundreds of short-range air-defence systems from China.
For the UK, developments in the Gulf and Iraq affect security calculations and diplomatic engagement with allies. The unfolding situation will be closely watched in London, where ministers will assess the potential implications for British nationals, regional stability and global energy markets.
— National correspondent, InfoRadar
