Jordan intercepts 8 missiles after Iran strikes US airbases

Jordan's armed forces announced early Monday that air defense units had intercepted eight missiles that penetrated the kingdom's airspace, destroying the projectiles before they could reach ground targets or endanger civilians, according to an army statement.

Tehran claims retaliation strikes

The interception came hours after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched ballistic missiles and drones against the King Hussein and Azraq airbases in Jordan, targeting infrastructure and areas where fighter jets were stationed. The IRGC said the attacks inflicted "heavy damage" on the installations, describing the operation as direct retaliation for a US strike on Larak Island earlier Sunday that killed several fighters and civilians.

US hits Iranian territory

US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, marking the first American attack on Iranian territory since late July, according to a US official who spoke to Axios. The launchers were allegedly being prepared to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, the official said. The IRGC confirmed casualties among fighters and civilians in the strike and vowed to respond.

War timeline

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained elevated since the war began with strikes on Iran in late February. Although a framework deal was signed in June through Pakistani and Qatari mediation, Washington launched a two-week bombing campaign in July and reimposed a naval blockade after disputes over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.