Amman: The US military has reported its first combat fatalities since March in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Pentagon announced that two American service members were killed and another remains missing during defensive operations in Jordan. This incident marks an escalation in hostilities in the region, further threatening a delicate cease-fire.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, CENTCOM confirmed via a statement on X that the two service members died on July 17 while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. Additionally, one service member is currently unaccounted for. Four others were injured and have been evacuated to hospitals in Jordan. Two of these injured personnel have since been discharged, while the others received treatment for minor injuries and have returned to duty. The exact location of the attack within Jordan was not disclosed, and the identities of the victims are being withheld pending family notification.
The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, located approximately 80 kilometers from Amman, serves as a significant site for US operations in Jordan. US forces also utilize the Prince Hassan Air Base and other military installations within the country. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that the attack took place at the Muwaffaq Salti base, a strategic location used by the US for launching air strikes against Iran.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences during an interview with NewsNation, describing the deaths as "very sad" and emphasizing the service members' dedication to their country. Similarly, US defense chief Pete Hegseth honored the fallen on X, acknowledging their sacrifice and reinforcing the nation's resolve.
These deaths increase the total number of known US military fatalities to 16 since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28. Previous incidents include six service members killed by a drone strike in Kuwait on March 1, a soldier's death at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 8, and a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq on March 12 that claimed six lives. Additionally, a Navy pilot died in a noncombat helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea in early July.
The recent fatalities coincide with Iran's announcement of suspending an interim agreement with Washington, following a series of US strikes. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the US of violating the Islamabad declaration of intent, leading Tehran to halt its commitments. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on US Gulf Arab allies, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Jordan.
Iranian Major General Mohsen Rezaei issued a warning, indicating Tehran's readiness to resume "full-scale offensive operations" if US strikes persist. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was designed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict within 60 days, but recent hostilities have reignited tensions, particularly concerning Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A statement attributed to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei criticized the United States for alleged repeated MOU violations. Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since his father's death in February, raised questions about his health and leadership capabilities. His absence from public and official events has fueled speculation about Iran's current governance structure.