On Tuesday evening, July 28th, 2026, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting a U.S. base in the Middle East. According to U.S. Central Command (Centcom), which oversees U.S. military operations in the region, the missiles were fired at 5:45 p.m. and were all successfully shot down.

CNN reported that four ballistic missiles were involved in the attack. Centcom described the incident as an attempted surprise attack and stated, "U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness."

Earlier on the same day, unverified videos circulated on social media showing air defense systems active over Jordan.

The missile strikes occurred just hours after President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This was their first in-person meeting since the two countries launched strikes against Iran in February. Earlier in July, the U.S. military conducted 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iran, aiming to reduce Iran's capacity to disrupt commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite pressure from Republican defense hawks in Congress to escalate military operations, President Trump opted to hold back, citing concerns about U.S. stockpiles and the risk of widening the conflict in the region.

Sources