The United States Central Command has said that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces launched multiple ballistic missiles last night in an attempted “surprise attack” on U.S. forces based in the West Asia region.
In a social media post, the U.S. Central Command said all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted and that U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness. The U.S. also claimed that over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks were carried out in the last 72 hours.
In response, the U.S. Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes in Iraq, alleging that Iran-aligned groups were directed by the IRGC to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq.
The United States also claimed that between February and April this year, there were more than 600 attempted attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.
The recent strikes in the West Asia region came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The Israeli leader described the meeting as “one of the best conversations” they have had, citing close coordination on Iran and other security issues.