US, Saudi Arabia target Tehran-backed militias in Iraq after Iranian strikes on bases

What Happened

On Wednesday morning, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran at US military bases across the Middle East in an attempted surprise attack, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). A US official told The Jerusalem Post that at least four ballistic missiles targeted a US military base in Jordan, describing the event as 'a major attack.' Concurrently, Iranian negotiator Seyed Mohammad Marandi posted on X that Iran was 'fully prepared for all out war,' shortly before CENTCOM's confirmation.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

This direct Iranian ballistic missile strike against US forces marks a significant escalation in the long-running shadow war, moving beyond proxy attacks to state-on-military action. It risks triggering a broader military confrontation between Iran and the US, especially given the concurrent rhetoric of 'all out war' and the attack's scale.

Watch For

Monitor for official Iranian state statements beyond Marandi's social media post, detailed damage and casualty reports from the targeted bases, any US military retaliation or diplomatic response, and whether this incident ignites a prolonged exchange or prompts a ceasefire push.