U.S. intercepts Iranian missile attack as fighting resumes in Middle East

Fighting resumed in the Middle East overnight, ending a days-long pause in strikes as U.S. forces intercepted a wave of Iranian missiles targeting American forces in the region.

(NBC)- Fighting resumed in the Middle East overnight, ending a days-long pause in strikes as U.S. forces intercepted a wave of Iranian missiles targeting American forces in the region.

U.S. Central Command said the missiles were launched in an attempted surprise attack but were successfully intercepted.

CENTCOM also said U.S. and Saudi forces carried out joint strikes against Iran-aligned militants in Iraq accused of targeting American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure with drones.

The renewed fighting comes after President Donald Trump expressed optimism about diplomatic efforts toward a long-term agreement with Iran while warning of further attacks if a deal is not reached.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu downplayed concerns about differences between the two allies over the conflict, saying both remain committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump also met separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is seeking additional American missile defense systems. Zelenskyy later met with senators on Capitol Hill to discuss Ukraine’s military needs.

Both Netanyahu and Zelenskyy traveled to Washington for funeral services honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Tuesday night, the Senate voted to advance a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia that Graham had pushed for and that now bears his name.

Meanwhile, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq said at least 20 of its members were killed in the overnight U.S.-Saudi strikes and called the attack a dangerous escalation.

Iranian state media also reported that Iranian forces struck and stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz overnight. CENTCOM has not confirmed that report.