Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at American forces in the Middle East in what US Central Command described as an "attempted surprise attack", ending a brief pause in hostilities that had raised hopes of renewed negotiations. All the missiles were intercepted, and the US and Saudi Arabian forces responded by striking Iran-aligned targets in Iraq, escalating a conflict that had appeared to be cooling just a day earlier.

The Iranian strike came at 17:45 EDT on Tuesday, though Centcom did not disclose the intended targets. In retaliation, US and Saudi forces hit "terrorist logistics and weapons sites" in eastern Iraq, which the US described as a response to more than 30 drone attacks directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps over 72 hours; Saudi Arabia also said it had intercepted drones aimed at its petroleum facilities. The renewed fighting followed President Trump's comments about "friendly negotiations" with Tehran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key sticking point, and coincided with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Washington visit. The Pentagon says at least 624 US personnel have been wounded since the conflict began in February.