US intercepts Iranian missile attack on bases in Jordan and Iraq

Jul 28, 2026

The U.S. military intercepted a "surprise" ballistic missile attack from Iran targeting American bases in Jordan, ending a recent pause in hostilities. In response, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia launched joint retaliatory airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. President Trump has vowed a harsh response, stating Iran will "get a beating." The escalation, which marks Saudi Arabia's first public joint strike in the war, raises fears of a wider regional conflict.

Iranian missile attack

▪The missile attack specifically targeted U.S. bases in Jordan
▪Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles in a "surprise attack" on U.S. forces in the Middle East on July 28
▪The U.S. military stated that all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted
▪Jordan's military announced its air defenses also intercepted and shot down five Iranian missiles

Saudi Arabia military involvement

▪The joint strikes marked the first time Saudi Arabia publicly declared its participation in such attacks with the U.S. during the war
▪The strikes targeted Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, killing at least 20 members and wounding 32
▪The U.S. and Saudi Arabia conducted joint airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq in retaliation

Trump retaliation threats

▪President Trump also stated that Iran will "get a beating" and that the U.S. would be "hitting them hard."
▪President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate, telling Fox News the U.S. would "beat the f------ s--- out of them."

Ceasefire collapse

▪The Iranian missile attack on July 28 ended a days-long pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran
▪The pause in fighting followed President Trump's suspension of a 13-day U.S. bombing campaign the previous week

Regional conflict escalation

▪Following the attacks, Brent crude oil prices rose more than $3 a barrel to over $87
▪The renewed fighting and Saudi Arabia's entry into the conflict have raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East

Negotiation dynamics

▪Iran rejected an Omani proposal for joint regional control of the Strait of Hormuz
▪Iran has denied seeking to resume talks with Washington, despite President Trump previously stating "good talks" were underway