Tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again after the US military said it intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran, marking the first major flare-up in violence after several days of relative calm. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the missiles were fired by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in what it described as an attempted surprise attack targeting American forces stationed across the region. CENTCOM said the attack began at approximately 5:45 p.m. ET, with several ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory. The US military stated that its air defence systems successfully detected, tracked and intercepted every incoming missile, preventing any damage to US bases or personnel. No casualties or destruction have been reported so far.