Two American Service Members Were Killed and Another Remains Missing After Iranian Forces Attacked a U.S. Base in Jordan
Two U.S. service members were killed and a third was reported missing after Iranian missiles and drones struck a military base in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday.
The American troops were killed Friday while U.S. and allied forces defended against the Iranian attack. Four additional service members were evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged. Other personnel treated 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,” Central Command said.
The deaths bring the number of U.S. service members killed since the war with Iran began Feb. 28 to 16. More than 420 American troops have also been wounded during the conflict.
Hegseth Says Deaths Will Strengthen U.S. Resolve
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored the service members in a brief statement posted to social media.
“Godspeed, heroes,” Hegseth wrote. “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
Godspeed, heroes.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 18, 2026
Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve. https://t.co/GIcfNdAol0
The fatalities were announced as fighting between the United States and Iran intensified following the collapse of an interim ceasefire agreement. The two countries resumed attacks after negotiations reached another impasse, raising concerns that the conflict could return to the broader fighting seen earlier this year.
U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out an eighth consecutive night of strikes against Iran following the attack. The latest U.S. operations targeted Iranian surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities.
Iran Claims Responsibility for Jordan Attack
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strikes in Jordan. Iranian state media reported that the attack damaged the base and destroyed several American aircraft, although those claims had not been independently confirmed.
The attack came as Iran launched missiles and drones toward several U.S. allies and military locations across the region, including sites in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The renewed escalation followed a public memorial for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a U.S. strike on Feb. 28.
Iranian officials said at least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 wounded in U.S. strikes during the past three weeks. Those figures include civilians reportedly killed during an attack on a bridge Friday.
The casualties from the war have extended beyond American and Iranian forces. Civilians, foreign workers and people aboard commercial vessels have also been killed as the conflict disrupts communities and shipping routes throughout the Middle East.
