Iran fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. base for the first time after Trump’s attacks were halted

- Axios reporter Barak Ravid

On Tuesday, Iran fired several ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan; an action the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as an attempt at a “surprise attack.”

CENTCOM said all the missiles were intercepted.

Why it matters: This is the first Iranian ballistic missile attack on a U.S. base in the region after President Trump on Friday halted attacks against Iran to give diplomacy another opportunity.

The strike could threaten a fragile ceasefire and may force Trump to decide whether to resume military action.

Statements: On Monday, Trump told Axios that the United States is in “very deep discussions” with Iran, but warned that if diplomacy fails, it would return to “very powerful military actions.”

Asked how much time he is allowing for negotiations, Trump said: “Not a lot of time. Either it goes very fast or it doesn’t go at all.”

Current situation: CENTCOM said that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces fired the missiles at 5:45 p.m. Eastern time.

The command said: “U.S. forces remain alert and at the highest level of readiness.”

Latest developments: CENTCOM also said that on the evening of Tuesday, U.S. and Saudi fighter jets, in response to more than 30 drone attacks guided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past 72 hours, targeted several logistical and armament centers in eastern Iraq.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense later confirmed that this country took part in the attacks and said the operation was carried out in coordination with CENTCOM.

CENTCOM said that the attacks against U.S. forces were not successful.

According to CENTCOM, between February and April, more than 600 attempts to attack American citizens and installations in Iraq were carried out by Iran-aligned militia groups.

CENTCOM added: “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its terrorist proxy forces must stop these attacks to avoid a further U.S. military response.”

Bigger picture: Earlier this month, Iran targeted a U.S. air base in Jordan, killing two American servicemen after its missile and drone attacks. The attack prompted Trump to launch a broad operation that turned into a 13-night campaign of attacks against Iran.

The Iranian ballistic missile strike on Tuesday took place only hours after Trump met with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, at the White House; a meeting whose main focus was Iran. The White House described the meeting as “positive and constructive.”