On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) declared that “brave fighters” from its Aerospace Forces targeted a U.S. air base as well as the CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan using multiple ballistic missiles.
In a statement, the Revolutionary Guards suggested that the assault on the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had significant implications and warned that more acts of “resistance” could follow if the U.S. did not cease its “illegal and hostile movements” toward Iran.
“The intimidation and unlawful interference with our nation’s interests by U.S. officials must end,” the statement articulated.
According to the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC aimed a ballistic missile at the Muwafaq-Sorti air base in northeastern Jordan, where CENTCOM operates a regional command center.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s military reported that all five Iranian missiles were intercepted and destroyed without resulting in any casualties or damage.
At 5:45 p.m. ET, CENTCOM confirmed that IRGC units had launched several ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempt to catch U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East off guard.
They added that “all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted,” assuring that U.S. forces remained vigilant and prepared.
Burk Ozcelik, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in the UK, said on Wednesday that the surprise attack may have been aimed at increasing pressure on President Donald Trump as negotiators try to engage Iran again.
Ozcelik noted that “Iran’s attack on Jordan last night underscores the Iranian government’s belief that aggressive military action can achieve deterrence.” He also mentioned that reports indicating a dwindling U.S. missile interceptor stockpile might have influenced the IRGC’s strategy.
He emphasized that the Iranian leadership perceives their situation as an existential struggle, thus maintaining pressure on the Trump administration remains a priority.
Ozcelik highlighted the “remarkable moment,” referring to the direct attack that could lead to unified military responses from Gulf states amid increasing threats from Houthi forces.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a coalition of Persian Gulf nations, is holding joint military exercises in Bahrain, called “Bahrain Shield,” which run until Friday. The exercises focus on enhancing combat readiness and operational planning for GCC forces.
Lieutenant General Diab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Bahrain’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, stated that the exercises establish “a solid strategic foundation for military cohesion and strong pillars against any treacherous attacks.” He emphasized the necessity for enhanced joint military defense cooperation due to the escalating threats in the region.
Bahrain has accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians with “illegal missile and drone attacks,” describing such actions as “betrayal.”
The missile attack on Jordan may have been intended to incite Jordanian rebels, who have become increasingly hostile toward the American presence within the country amidst Iranian attacks.
Last week, a group of Jordanian opposition politicians signed an open letter calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops, although the government did not officially respond.
The letter argued that U.S. military presence poses security, political, and economic risks that contradict Jordan’s national interests and increases the likelihood of involvement in regional conflicts.
President Donald Trump expressed outrage over the attack on Jordan, making pointed remarks during a Fox News interview. He pledged to respond forcefully against Tehran, stating, “We’re going to take the motherfuckers out of their midst. We’re going to hit them hard. They’re going to get hit.”
