A brief pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran was shattered as the conflict in the Middle East expanded. Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in a surprise attack against U.S. forces, including bases in Jordan. While U.S. Central Command reported that all missiles were successfully intercepted, the attack ended a days-long lull that had followed nearly two weeks of nightly U.S. strikes.
In a rare joint operation, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed proxies and militias in Iraq. These strikes, which killed at least 20 fighters, followed a series of more than two dozen drone attacks targeting Saudi energy infrastructure. Riyadh stated the coordinated military operation was necessary after its air defense systems intercepted days of attacks launched from Iraqi territory.
The escalation extends to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have struck and halted three oil tankers. Tensions remain high as Tehran rejected a proposal from Oman to manage the waterway, calling the plan unreasonable. This increase in violence and instability has already caused global oil prices to jump.
President Donald Trump has vowed further retaliation and warned of strong military action if negotiations fail. The U.S. military has cautioned Iran to cease attacks carried out directly or via regional proxies to avoid further military responses. Meanwhile, Iraq has called an emergency meeting as concerns grow that the conflict is entering a dangerous new phase.