Iran Launches Surprise Missile Strike as Trump Meets Netanyahu on July 29

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched multiple ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East at 7:45am AEST on Wednesday, July 29, ending a 60-day ceasefire. US Central Command said all missiles were intercepted. The attack came hours after President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House and rejected Oman’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The strike places immediate pressure on Trump to authorize a military response.

How the attack unfolded

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired multiple ballistic missiles from Iran at approximately 7:45am AEST Wednesday, targeting US forces based in the Middle East. US Central Command confirmed all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. The IRGC has previously attacked Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, where American troops have been killed. The attack breaks Iran’s stated commitment to refrain from retaliatory strikes as long as the US maintained its bombing pause.

Trump and Netanyahu’s White House meeting

Trump met Netanyahu for nearly 90 minutes on Tuesday, their first talks since the US and Israel launched a joint war against Iran five months ago. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the meeting “positive and productive.” Netanyahu said it was “excellent” and involved Trump’s entire senior team, including Vice President JD Vance. Before the meeting, Trump rebuked Netanyahu over media reports that the prime minister planned to discuss Israeli intelligence about Iranian nuclear excavation at a site near Natanz.

Iran rejects Hormuz control proposal

Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV that Iran rejected Oman’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by equally dividing transit between the two countries. Iran instead proposed retaining control of traffic in one direction and partial control of the other. Aaron David Miller, a former US State Department Middle East analyst, said Iran was likely hurting from the US naval blockade and unhappy with the Omani terms. Miller noted Iran continues to take the initiative rather than merely respond to US actions.

What happens next

US Central Command warned that the IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease attacks to avoid further US military response. The US military has already conducted precision strikes in eastern Iraq with Saudi Arabia, targeting Iran-aligned terrorists who attacked US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure over the past three days. Netanyahu told Trump that if Iran attacks Israel, Israel will respond, but otherwise trusts Trump’s judgment on next steps. Trump faces pressure to end an unpopular war ahead of midterm elections in November.

Final Thoughts

Iran’s missile strike ends the ceasefire and forces Trump to choose between military escalation or diplomacy. With Netanyahu pushing for continued pressure and Trump seeking an exit, the next 48 hours will determine whether the conflict expands or negotiations resume.

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