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The U.S. military announced Saturday that two American service members were killed and another was missing after an Iranian missile and drone attack on a military base in Jordan, marking the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the early days of the war.
U.S. Central Command said the attack occurred Friday as American and allied forces defended the installation against ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran.
“On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action,” U.S. Central Command announced.
“Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty. Out of respect for the families, CENTCOM will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified,” the statement added.
The latest casualties bring the U.S. military’s losses since the conflict began to 16 killed and more than 430 wounded.
The announcement came shortly after Iran’s supreme leader warned the United States of “unforgettable lessons” if attacks on the Islamic Republic continue. Remarks attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, broadcast on Iranian state television, also described President Donald Trump’s signature as “worthless and invalid.”
The comments followed an announcement by Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, that Tehran was suspending its commitments under an interim agreement reached about a month ago that had been intended to move the two sides toward a permanent ceasefire.
The conflict has increasingly centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping lane through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply typically passes. U.S. and Iranian forces have continued exchanging strikes targeting military installations and critical infrastructure.
U.S. Central Command said its seventh consecutive night of operations struck Iranian surveillance sites, military logistics facilities, underground weapons storage locations and maritime capabilities.
