President Trump vowed a forceful U.S. response after multiple ballistic missiles launched from Iran were intercepted, while Jordan also reported shooting down missiles. U.S. and Saudi aircraft struck Iran-aligned militia logistics and weapons sites inside Iraq following attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. Washington expanded sanctions on IRGC-linked networks and sanctioned over 100 "shadow fleet" vessels. A CSIS analysis warns U.S. Patriot interceptor stocks have been depleted by roughly 65%, and Egyptian authorities reported a fire at Damietta Port with no injuries reported.
Trump Vows to “Hit Iran Very Hard” After Intercepted Missile Barrage; U.S. and Allies Strike Iran-Aligned Targets
@IsraeliPM_heb/X - PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, July 28, 2026.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed a forceful U.S. response after what U.S. officials described as an attempted missile attack on American forces in the Middle East. The president, speaking from the Oval Office, said "it is our turn" to strike Iran and warned Tehran it would face heavy consequences, while also leaving open the possibility of negotiations.
Latest Military Developments
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in what it called an "attempted surprise attack" on U.S. forces based in the region. CENTCOM said the missiles were intercepted and did not identify the exact location of the targeted units. Jordan's official Petra news agency reported its air defenses shot down five missiles on Wednesday morning.
In the wake of repeated attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure attributed to Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, U.S. and Saudi aircraft carried out precision strikes inside Iraq targeting logistical and weapons sites used by those groups. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted militias that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy facilities.
Diplomacy and U.S.-Israeli Consultations
Trump met Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss options to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, including military, diplomatic and economic measures. A senior Israeli official briefed reporters after the meeting, saying Netanyahu did not press for any single option and warning Tehran that an attack on Israel would be "a big mistake" that would be met with a swift and forceful response.
US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP - PHOTO: TOPSHOT-US-IRAN-ISRAEL-WAR
"We think we know where [nuclear material] is," the Israeli official said, later softening the comment to emphasize uncertainty.
Sanctions and Economic Measures
The U.S. Departments of State and Treasury announced new sanctions targeting entities tied to the IRGC accused of running coercive "insurance" schemes that extorted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The move also targeted companies that allegedly facilitated Iranian oil exports to China and the UAE, bringing the number of Iranian "shadow fleet" vessels sanctioned by the U.S. this year to more than 100.
Military Logistics And Air-Defense Stocks
A new analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) updates an April study showing heavy depletion of U.S. Patriot interceptor stocks since combat began on Feb. 28. CSIS estimates Patriot inventory losses at roughly 65%—leaving about 759 Patriot interceptors—and notes U.S. production runs at about 183 interceptors per year, with roughly 3.5 years from contract award to delivery.
Regional Incidents
Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed a fire aboard a regasification vessel and an adjacent storage vessel at Damietta Port. Authorities said there were no injuries or fatalities and gave no immediate cause. Initial reports cited a possible drone strike on a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker; subsequent statements from some security sources denied the port had been targeted by a drone. Inchcape Shipping Services said an explosion occurred during cargo-discharge operations and the affected vessels were moved outside the port while other operations resumed at alternate berths.
What Officials Are Saying
Trump told Fox News the overnight incident was a surprise and reiterated the U.S. would respond. "We'll be hitting them [Iran] hard," he said, adding, "they're going to get a beating." State Department officials emphasized protecting navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz and pledged to hold Iran accountable for weaponizing waterways and evading sanctions.
CENTCOM said U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness. U.S., regional and allied officials said they would continue to take steps to protect personnel, partners and international maritime traffic from further aggression.
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