Iran has launched a surprise attack on US forces in the Middle East, shattering a lull in the fighting. The attack occurred at 17:45 EDT on Tuesday, with multiple ballistic missiles fired in an "attempted surprise attack" on American forces.
Missiles Successfully Intercepted
The US military says all missiles were successfully intercepted by US Central Command, without specifying the locations of any targets. This move comes after a break in hostilities between the two countries, which was designed to bring negotiators back to the table.
US President Donald Trump had spoken of "very friendly negotiations" with Iran on Monday, after the two sides had not exchanged strikes for a third straight day. However, he had also cautioned that the US could "go back to doing what we were doing" before the break in hostilities.
Iran Remains Silent
Tehran has not yet commented on the alleged assault. The attack coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he met Trump at the White House and attended the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Iran hawk.
Drones Intercepted in Saudi Arabia
Also on Tuesday, Saudi Arabian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said their military had intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting petroleum facilities in the country's eastern region. The statement alleged the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, and were perpetrated by Iran-affiliated militia groups.
Ongoing Conflict
The conflict between the US and Iran has been ongoing since February, when Trump ordered strikes against Iran. At least 624 US military service members have been wounded since then, according to recent Pentagon data. 417 of those personnel were injured in relation to Operation Epic Fury, the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
What Happens Next
The US and Iran are yet to comment on the outcome of the attack, but the situation remains volatile. The access and control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point in the talks between the two countries. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and its implications for regional and global stability.
Source: Joy Online
