Iran has launched “multiple” ballistic missiles in an “attempted surprise attack” on American forces in the Middle East, the US military says, shattering a lull in the fighting.

The attack occurred at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT) on Tuesday, and all missiles were “successfully intercepted”, said US Central Command, without specifying the locations of any targets.

Tehran has not yet commented. The alleged assault occurred during a break in hostilities between the two countries, which was designed to bring negotiators back to the table.

US President Donald Trump spoke on Monday of “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.

But he had also cautioned that the US could “go back to doing what we were doing” before the break in hostilities.

Access and control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key sticking point in the talks.