Iran’s attempted surprise attack with ballistic missiles against US forces in the Middle East was thwarted after all projectiles were intercepted by American air defence systems, according to the US Central Command.

The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Gulf states and renewed warnings from President Donald Trump of further military action against Tehran.

CENTCOM confirmed that at 5:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in what was described as an attempted surprise strike on US forces stationed in the Middle East.

All incoming missiles were successfully intercepted, with no reported casualties or damage. CENTCOM emphasised that US forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.

Axios reported that the missiles were aimed at a US military base in Jordan, marking Iran’s first direct attack on an American installation in the region since Trump halted strikes against Tehran last Friday to allow space for diplomatic resolutions. The timing of the attack underscored the fragility of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Governments across the Gulf swiftly denounced the strikes. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its strongest condemnation, calling the attack a flagrant violation of Jordan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a direct threat to regional security and stability. In its statement, Kuwait affirmed full solidarity with Jordan and pledged support for all measures taken to protect its security and the safety of its people.

Qatar also condemned the strikes, describing them as repeated hostile actions that violated Jordan’s sovereignty and threatened its stability. The Qatari Foreign Ministry underscored its solidarity with Jordan and expressed backing for all security measures adopted by the Jordanian leadership to defend the country against further aggression.

The attack came only hours after US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for high-level talks focused heavily on Iran. The meeting highlighted the strategic coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv in countering Tehran’s regional activities.

Earlier in the day, Trump warned that the United States could resume military operations against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. Speaking to Fox News, he said that if Tehran refuses to agree to a deal, the US could target key infrastructure such as bridges and power plants. He stressed that such strikes would cripple Iran’s ability to rebuild, noting that it would take many years for the country to recover from sustained attacks.

Trump’s remarks reinforced Washington’s position that while diplomacy remains the preferred path, military options are firmly on the table should Iran continue its hostile actions. His warning followed weeks of escalating tensions, with repeated exchanges of strikes between US and Iranian forces across the region.

The interception of Iran’s missiles prevented casualties and damage, but the incident highlighted the volatility of the situation. With Gulf states rallying behind Jordan and the US signalling readiness to escalate, the confrontation risks widening into a broader regional conflict. The episode also underscores the strategic importance of Jordan as a frontline state in the US military posture against Iran.

ANI