Iran launched "multiple" ballistic missiles in an "attempted surprise attack" on American forces in the Middle East, the US military said, breaking a lull in the fighting. The attack took place at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT) on Tuesday, and all missiles were "successfully intercepted", according to US Central Command, which did not specify the locations of any targets.
A US military ship is seen in the foreground in the Arabian Sea in April. Tehran has not yet commented. The alleged assault came during a pause in hostilities between the two countries that was intended to bring negotiators back to the table.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday there were "very friendly negotiations" with Iran, after the two sides had not exchanged strikes for a third straight day.
"I think there's a good chance that something could happen,"
Trump added.
He also warned that the US could "go back to doing what we were doing" before the break in hostilities.
Access to and control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point in the talks.
What was said about the attack?
The US military said Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in what it described as an "attempted surprise attack" on American forces in the Middle East. US Central Command said the missiles were intercepted, but it did not say where the targets were located.
What is the status of the talks?
The attack happened during a break in hostilities between the two countries that was meant to give negotiators space to return to talks. Trump said on Monday that there were "very friendly negotiations" with Iran after three straight days without exchanges of strikes.
"I think there's a good chance that something could happen,"
He also cautioned that the US could "go back to doing what we were doing" before the pause.
Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter?
Access and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain a central issue in the negotiations and continue to be a key sticking point in the talks.
A US military ship is seen in the foreground in the Arabian Sea in April.
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