Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on American forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, July 29th, 2026, according to the US military. The attack occurred at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT), with all missiles successfully intercepted, US Central Command (Centcom) reported without disclosing target locations.

In response, US and Saudi Arabian forces struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq, targeting Iran-aligned terrorists. This retaliation followed over 30 aerial drone attacks directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the previous 72 hours.

Centcom warned that Iran's military and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further US military responses. Earlier on the same day, Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted and destroyed drones targeting petroleum facilities in its eastern region.

The recent exchange ended a brief pause in hostilities that followed 13 consecutive nights of US bombing campaigns, which reportedly destroyed tunnels and bridges in southern Iran. The Pentagon stated that 417 personnel were injured in relation to Operation Epic Fury, the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.

This crossfire marks a significant escalation, disrupting efforts aimed at bringing negotiators from both sides back to the table.

Sources