US intercepts Iranian missiles, strikes pro-Iran militias in Iraq with Saudi Arabia

Tankers and cargo ships wait in the Gulf of Oman. Source: Uncredited/AP/dpa

New Missile Attacks from Iran

After a brief period without mutual attacks, the US military reported new missile strikes from Iran. According to US Central Command (Centcom), all missiles were intercepted. Units of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards had fired "several ballistic missiles from Iran," Centcom stated on the online platform X. The attack was described as an "attempt at a surprise attack on US forces stationed in the Middle East," which was successfully thwarted.

According to the US news portal Axios, the missiles were targeting a US base in Jordan. US forces remain "vigilant and at the highest state of readiness," Centcom added. The attack ended a short-lived ceasefire during which mediators had sought to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.

US and Saudi Airstrikes in Iraq

Shortly after the missile attack, the US military announced it had struck positions of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, in coordination with Saudi Arabia. The airstrikes targeted multiple logistics and weapons depots in the eastern part of the country, Centcom reported. The operation was a response to more than 30 drone attacks over the past 72 hours, which Centcom said were controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

"The Revolutionary Guards and their terrorist proxies must cease the attacks to avoid further US military responses," Centcom stated.

Saudi Arabia Downs Drones

Saudi Arabia had previously announced that it had shot down drones for the second consecutive day. The drones, launched by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, were targeting oil facilities in the eastern part of the kingdom. Following the Saudi accusations, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Saidi ordered investigations by security authorities.

US Naval Blockade in the Gulf

Earlier, Centcom reported that the US Navy had deployed more than 20 warships in the Middle East to enforce the strict implementation of the American blockade against Iran. "As of July 28, US Central Command has diverted 18 merchant ships, disabled two ships, and boarded two others to ensure full compliance with the blockade," Centcom wrote.

Market Reaction

Crude oil prices jumped immediately after the new attacks became known, while US stock futures declined. US crude oil rose by over 4 percent to $82.75 per barrel, ending a three-day downward trend. US stock index futures fell by 0.1 percent.

Background: A Fragile Ceasefire

After 13 nights of US airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran, both sides had reported no mutual attacks since the previous Friday. US President Donald Trump subsequently expressed confidence about a possible negotiated solution. On Monday, he spoke of a "good chance" for an agreement with Tehran.

"I think we are currently in a very strong position," Trump said on Tuesday to Fox News. He reiterated his threat to bomb Iran's main bridges if no agreement could be reached, but added: "If I can avoid that, I would like to."

Sources: afp / dpa / Bloomberg / saha