Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles at US forces based in the Middle East on Wednesday, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The US military reported intercepting all the missiles, with five interceptions reported over Jordan, as oil prices jumped more than 4 percent.

Iran US Conflict Escalation

The IRGC said its air force targeted a US airbase and Central Command centre in Jordan, "with several ballistic missiles", in an "attempted surprise attack" on US forces. The attack came as US President Donald Trump was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, who has been pushing for war on Iran.

According to Al Jazeera's Resul Serdar, reporting from Tehran, the latest escalation seemed like a "pre-emptive attack, not a reactionary measure" from the Iranians. The IRGC stated that "as long as threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue and illegal and vicious actions by American forces against our interests continue, the resistance will continue".

US Iran Tensions and Oil Prices

The Iranian attacks have raised concerns about the impact on mediation efforts, with Al Jazeera's Serdar noting that "after 13 consecutive days of constant bombing, in the tit-for-tat US-Iran bombings, these latest attacks will most definitely have an impact on the mediation efforts". US oil futures jumped to more than $82 a barrel, while Brent crude futures went to more than $88 a barrel after the US military confirmed the Iranian attack.

The Strait of Hormuz and its shipping traffic have been major talking points for Trump, who has decried Iran's blocking of some vessels. Iran asserts that it is within its rights to control shipping through the strait, and on Wednesday, the IRGC said it "struck and stopped" three oil tankers in Hormuz, according to Tasnim news agency.

Next Steps and Reactions

Jason Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Al Jazeera that Tehran is "trying to retake the initiative and the momentum with these latest attacks". The US has threatened to restart strikes if negotiations stagnate, while Iran has denied seeking to resume talks with Washington. Readers should watch for further developments in the US-Iran conflict and the potential impact on oil prices and regional stability.