Iran launches missile attack on US Forces in Middle East

Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting US forces in the Middle East, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday, describing the strike as a surprise attack carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In a statement, CENTCOM said all incoming missiles were intercepted and destroyed, adding that US forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond.

Following reports of the attack, global oil prices climbed about 4 percent to around $82 a barrel, reflecting renewed concerns over instability in the region.

The latest escalation comes days after Washington suspended airstrikes on Iran, a move that had briefly eased tensions and lowered oil prices amid reports of renewed diplomatic contacts. While US President Donald Trump has said discussions with Tehran are progressing, Iranian officials maintain that no direct negotiations are taking place and that communication continues only through intermediaries.

The conflict, which intensified with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, entered a new phase after a ceasefire collapsed in early July following an attack on an oil tanker and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US forces resumed military operations on July 13 before pausing the campaign again last week.

US media have reported that the suspension was linked to shortages of weapons and military supplies. Trump, however, denied the reports, saying the pause followed requests from countries acting as mediators.