Iran's missile attack reignites tensions in the Middle East

Iran has launched "multiple" ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East, according to the U.S. military. The attack has effectively ended a temporary lull in hostilities and reignited conflict tensions across the region.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the attack took place at 5:45 PM local time on Tuesday. All missiles were "successfully intercepted."

Iran has stated that it targeted a U.S. military base located in Jordan.

Meanwhile, in response to drone attacks carried out under Iranian direction, U.S. and Saudi forces struck targets linked to Iran-affiliated "terrorists" in eastern Iraq, according to CENTCOM. Tehran has yet to comment on the matter.

These tit-for-tat strikes have raised fears that the brief pause in hostilities—which was intended to create an opportunity for the U.S. and Iran to return to dialogue—has now come to an end.

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also attacked three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the U.S. and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on "multiple terrorist logistics and weapons facilities" in eastern Iraq. The U.S. military described the operation as a "strong response" to more than 30 drone attacks directed by the IRGC over the previous 72 hours.

CENTCOM warned that Iran's military and its "terrorist allied groups" must cease these attacks, or the United States will take further military action.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported that it had intercepted and destroyed drones targeting oil facilities in the country's eastern region. Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki alleged that Iraqi armed groups linked to Iran were responsible for launching those drones.

Just a day before the latest strike, U.S. President Donald Trump had commented that "very friendly talks" were ongoing with Iran. At that time, there had been no attacks between the two sides for a third consecutive day.

Prior to that, the United States had carried out airstrikes on Iran for 13 consecutive nights. The U.S. claimed those strikes had destroyed tunnels and bridges in southern Iran. Reports also indicated that many people had been killed in the bombings.

Control of and access to the Strait of Hormuz remains a major sticking point in negotiations. Tehran, however, has denied that any such talks are taking place.

Fears that further escalation could disrupt fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz drove oil prices higher on Wednesday morning. In Asian trading, Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 4.3% to $87.70 per barrel, while U.S. crude gained 4.2% to $82.62.

The latest attack occurred during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. He held a meeting with Trump at the White House and also attended the funeral service of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his hardline stance against Iran.

According to recent Pentagon data, at least 624 U.S. service members have been wounded since February, when strikes on Iran were authorized. The Pentagon said 417 of those injuries were related to "Operation Epic Fury."

Source: BBC