U.S. Military Intercepts Iranian Missile Launch Targeting Forces in Middle East

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, ending a brief lull in hostilities that had followed diplomatic efforts toward a cease-fire, the U.S. military said. U.S. Central Command reported that every missile was successfully intercepted and that U.S. forces remain "vigilant and at a high state of readiness."

The missile launch came after weeks of escalation over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil shipments normally pass. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait and has demanded that commercial vessels use routes close to its coastline, prompting a U.S.-overseen navigation corridor along the Omani coast.

In a related development, Saudi Arabia announced that it shot down drones launched from Iraq by Iran-backed militias for a second consecutive day. The Saudi Defense Ministry said the drones were aimed at petroleum facilities in the kingdom’s eastern region and were "once again launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-affiliated terrorist militias."

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation, and the Iraqi military affirmed its commitment to preventing the use of Iraqi territory for attacks against friendly nations. Iran-backed groups in Iraq denied involvement, with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq labeling the Saudi claims as "fabrications" and suggesting the attacks originated from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for firing missiles at the Saudi oil tanker NCC Ghazal, forcing it to turn back in the Red Sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed that a tanker reported hearing explosions while transiting the southern Red Sea, though the crew and vessel were unharmed.

Both Iran and the United States had paused direct combat over the weekend, but officials said mediators were making progress toward renewed negotiations. Iran earlier accused U.S. strikes of damaging civilian infrastructure, while the U.S. said its attacks targeted Iranian military sites in response to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The missile incident occurred as Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump. The White House described the closed-door discussion as "positive and productive," without providing further details.