Iran Launches Missiles at Jordan, Explosions Heard in Eilat Amid Rising Tensions

On Wednesday morning, Iran fired missiles toward Aqaba, Jordan, causing explosions to be heard in the nearby Israeli city of Eilat. The Iranian military claimed the strikes targeted American forces at Al-Azraq base in Jordan and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Israeli authorities confirmed the missile launches and reported ongoing security sweeps in open areas near Eilat to check for debris, but no damage or casualties have been reported.

This missile attack follows a similar incident on Sunday when Iran launched four missiles at Jordan, with U.S. defense systems intercepting three and one falling in an open area. Following that attack, American refueling planes were evacuated from Ramon Airport in southern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned that missile debris could potentially fall in Israeli territory and deployed interceptors to prevent damage, with no alerts issued as the situation stabilized.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military completed another wave of strikes against Iranian targets overnight, expanding attacks to Tehran and Tabriz, where Iranian air defenses were activated. Iran responded by launching drones at U.S. forces stationed at Camp Doha in western Kuwait. The Iranian military also issued a warning that any U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities would make American interests and allies targets.

According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes focused on Iranian military operation centers, naval capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage, and logistical infrastructure. The statement highlighted that Iran has attacked over 30 commercial vessels in key international waterways over the past three months, threatening maritime security and global trade, though the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized America's openness to negotiations but criticized Iran's seriousness, warning that blocking international shipping routes poses a global economic threat. In Israel, a recent security cabinet meeting discussed potential scenarios involving Iran, including full Israeli involvement or coordinated U.S.-Israeli operations. Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, suggest avoiding partial engagements and favoring coordinated aggressive action with the U.S. A senior Israeli officer noted that while the IDF would prefer to resume fighting Iran, the current U.S. approach leans toward renewed negotiations.