Jordan’s air defense systems destroyed five ballistic missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, according to statements from the country’s military. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard indicated the missiles were directed at military installations in Jordan, including the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and U.S. Central Command headquarters.
The Iranian launch followed U.S. and Saudi military operations targeting locations in Iraq associated with Tehran-backed militant groups. U.S. Central Command reported that American and Saudi aircraft struck multiple weapons storage and logistics facilities across eastern Iraq in response to more than 30 drone attacks conducted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard-directed forces over the previous three days. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed its participation in the operations while stating the kingdom does not seek escalation but will defend itself against aggression.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella organization of primarily Shiite militias officially integrated into Iraq’s armed forces, reported at least 20 fighters killed and 32 wounded in the overnight strikes. Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi convened an emergency National Security Council meeting to address the operations. The Iraqi military reiterated its commitment to preventing its territory from being used as a launching point for attacks against neighboring or friendly nations.
These developments mark the resumption of hostilities following approximately three days of relative calm in an escalating dispute centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security concerns. The fighting has occurred amid mounting pressure on U.S. leadership, including four troop deaths in recent weeks and growing congressional scrutiny over military expenditures related to the conflict. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for forcing a Saudi oil tanker to alter course as part of announced maritime restrictions affecting Saudi shipping routes.
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