Iran attacks US bases in Middle East as Trump meets Netanyahu

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a ballistic missile attack targeting US military positions in the Middle East, according to statements from US Central Command. The Iranian military claimed to have struck a US airbase and Central Command centre in Jordan with multiple missiles. US officials reported that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted, with five interceptions confirmed over Jordan by local authorities.

The timing of the Iranian action coincided with President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu has been advocating for military action against Iran, and reports indicated he intended to raise concerns about Iranian nuclear development activities during the meeting. The Iranian military characterized its actions as a response to ongoing threats, stating that resistance would continue as long as American military operations against Iranian interests persisted.

Analysts suggested the Iranian strike represented a strategic move to reassert influence over negotiations rather than a purely reactive measure. One observer noted that Iran may have viewed the US pause in military operations as preparation for renewed attacks rather than a genuine diplomatic opening. Trump had previously halted a bombing campaign in late July, citing ongoing talks with Iran, though Iranian officials have denied seeking renewed negotiations with Washington.

The attack immediately affected global energy markets. US oil futures climbed more than 4 percent to exceed $82 per barrel, while Brent crude futures rose above $88 per barrel. Prior to the Iranian strike, oil prices had been declining as traders responded positively to the suspension of US military operations and speculation about diplomatic progress.