Iran Launches Preemptive Attack on US Military Base in Jordan as Tensions Rise and Conflict Outlook Remains Uncertain

[Global Times Special Correspondent Wang Yi, Global Times Correspondent in the U.S. Li Zhi] On the 29th local time, Iran attacked a U.S. Air Force base and command center located in Jordan. The U.S. Central Command immediately claimed that all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted and, in conjunction with Saudi Arabia, conducted precision strikes on "Iranian-backed" targets in Iraq. The Associated Press reported that Iran's attack on the U.S. military base broke the brief ceasefire that had occurred due to mediators attempting to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. The Wall Street Journal reported on the 29th that Iran's unexpected attack has put new pressure on U.S. President Trump, potentially forcing him to fully restart military operations. According to a report by Fox News on the 29th, Trump stated that he would launch a fierce strike against Iran in response to its attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East. Trump also mentioned that dialogue with Iran would continue.

According to a report by Iran's Tasnim News Agency on the 29th, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement saying that the IRGC Air Force struck a U.S. Air Force base and command center in Jordan with missiles that day, aiming to respond to the "aggressive actions of the U.S. military that killed Iranian children." The statement emphasized that as long as threats against Iran persist, the U.S. military's illegal and evil actions against Iranian interests will continue, and resistance will persist, stating, "The threats from the U.S. government and its illegal interventions against our interests must stop."

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that Iran launched multiple missiles at U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East on the 29th. According to a report by CBS News on the 29th, the U.S. Central Command stated in a release that all missiles were "successfully intercepted," and "U.S. forces remain highly vigilant and in a state of high alert." In another statement, the U.S. Central Command announced that U.S. and Saudi forces conducted precision strikes in Iraq against "Iranian-backed" targets in response to "over 30 drone attacks directed by the IRGC in the past 72 hours," with U.S. and Saudi aircraft striking multiple "logistical and weapon facilities belonging to terrorists" in eastern Iraq. The statement warned that the IRGC and its proxies must stop these attacks to avoid further military action from the U.S.

India's First Post reported on the 29th that the Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed joint operations with the U.S. military. This operation marks the first public acknowledgment by Riyadh of conducting airstrikes in Iraq since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict. This move further escalates the situation in the Middle East. Iran's attack and the joint U.S.-Saudi strikes have declared an end to the fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Iran conflict, once again making the prospects of this conflict uncertain. The Associated Press noted that both sides had not announced any attacks for several days. The developments on the 29th heightened concerns that the hostilities between the U.S. and Iran may only be a temporary calm. The First Post stated, "Fire, pause, fire... the U.S.-Iran war seems to be developing along this trajectory." Some experts mentioned that this attack marks a new chapter in the conflict, as it is the first time Tehran has launched a preemptive strike. Until now, Iran has claimed that its actions were "retaliatory strikes."

Campbell, a researcher at the Middle East Institute, believes that Tehran's actions may have multiple reasons. He told Qatar's Al Jazeera: "Part of the reason may be to regain the initiative and momentum. They have previously expressed skepticism, believing that the U.S. calls for a pause in hostilities are mainly to rearm itself and prepare for the next phase of violence. Perhaps they sensed that the U.S. was doing this, so they decided to break this pause now." Campbell also stated that this could be a way to send a "message" to Washington that Iran still has the capability to respond amid discussions about the potential escalation of the situation.

Axios reported on the 28th that this attack may force Trump to decide whether to resume military operations. Just hours before the attack, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Officials stated that the two leaders focused on Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues during their meeting. After the meeting, Netanyahu told Fox News that he and Trump were "in agreement" on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, which was the main outcome of his visit to the White House. However, before the meeting, Trump had publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Netanyahu. When asked about reports that Netanyahu planned to discuss intelligence regarding Iran's underground nuclear facility in Parchin, Trump appeared very annoyed. He said he was fully aware of the situation in Parchin and "did not need" Netanyahu to inform him, adding, "He told me because he wanted me to continue to intervene." Trump said, "Why didn't he just tell me directly instead of announcing it to the whole world?"

Reuters on the 29th quoted senior Iranian officials as saying that Iran has rejected Oman's proposal for a regional mechanism to jointly manage shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also demanded that every vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz must have one route (either outbound or inbound) completely through Iranian waters, and another route must also partially pass through Iranian waters.