Two US Soldiers Killed, One Missing in Iranian Strike on Jordan as Ceasefire Collapses

• CENTCOM confirms first American combat deaths since March; Trump orders eighth consecutive night of airstrikes as regional conflict widens to Gulf allies

Two United States soldiers have been killed and a third remains missing in action following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on US forces in Jordan on Friday, marking the first American combat deaths in the Iran conflict since March. The attack, which targeted Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, Jordan, confirms the collapse of a fragile ceasefire signed just one month ago and signals a dangerous escalation as both nations broaden their targets across the Middle East.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the fatalities in an official statement, reporting that two service members were killed in action while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on July 17. One additional service member is currently listed as missing in action. Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged, while others who sustained minor injuries have returned to duty. CENTCOM stated it will withhold the identities of the fallen soldiers until 24 hours after their next of kin are notified. The deaths bring the total number of US service members killed since the conflict began nearly five months ago to 16, with more than 420 wounded. The previous confirmed US combat fatalities occurred on March 1, when six Army Reserve soldiers died after an Iranian strike hit a temporary operations centre at Kuwait’s Shuaiba port. An Army sergeant died days later from injuries sustained in an attack in Saudi Arabia. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the news in a post on X, writing: “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”

In response to the Jordan attack, President Donald Trump directed the US military to carry out another round of airstrikes against Iran on Saturday night, marking the eighth consecutive night of US bombing. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces responsible for the Jordan attacks, hitting coastal surveillance facilities, air defense sites, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone storage locations. Iranian state media reported that the latest US strikes killed at least three people and wounded eight others in Hormozgan province, while damaging two bridges and a road tunnel. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in US strikes since the latest phase of the conflict began on June 27.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack on the Al-Azraq base, stating it had “completely destroyed” at least two US fighter jets and severely damaged several others. While CENTCOM has not confirmed these claims, satellite images published by Iranian media showed significant destruction at King Faisal Air Base in Jordan, with multiple structures destroyed. Jordan’s military confirmed it intercepted ten Iranian missiles fired into its airspace overnight, with no damage reported from intercepted projectiles. However, the attack marks Jordan’s growing exposure in the conflict, as the Pentagon had relocated troops there from Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE in search of greater security, regarding the kingdom as a comparatively safe rear position. The IRGC has broadened its targeting beyond Jordan, striking US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. In Kuwait, Iranian attacks damaged a power generation and desalination plant, while Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed one of its oil facilities had been hit, causing significant damage and some injuries. Iran also claimed to have targeted radar facilities and drone hangars at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Saudi Arabia’s early warning system issued alerts urging residents of Al-Kharj and Yanbu to seek shelter, with two sources confirming an Iranian missile attack triggered the alerts.

The attack confirms the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, which was intended to hold for 60 days while negotiators addressed Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The dispute centred on control of the waterway, which previously carried a fifth of global energy exports. Under the agreement, the strait was to reopen, but Iran demanded the right to manage traffic and charge vessels a service fee. When commercial ships instead used an alternative route protected by the US Navy, Iran struck a cargo vessel on June 25, prompting US strikes and a rapid escalation. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Khazem Gharibabadi, said Tehran has suspended its commitments under the deal, stating: “We were in negotiations. Unfortunately, it was the Americans themselves who, in fact, took these aggressive actions, in violation of their own commitments.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei derided President Trump’s signature as “worthless and invalid,” accusing Washington of repeatedly violating the agreement.

A central concern within the US military is Iran’s deliberate strategy of attrition. Iran is drawing on a large stockpile of low-cost drones and missiles to exhaust American air defences, with each Patriot interceptor fired to bring down a comparatively cheap Iranian drone depleting supplies that take years to replace. Officials note Iranian forces are growing more effective at exploiting American defences. The conflict also carries substantial political risk for the Trump administration, with midterm elections less than four months away.

Two US Soldiers Killed, One Missing in Iranian Strike on Jordan as Ceasefire Collapses

US launches fresh airstrikes on Iran after deadly attack kills American troops in Jordan

The United States has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict after an Iranian missile and drone attack on a military base in Jordan killed two American service members, left another missing and injured several others.

The strikes, ordered by US President Donald Trump, targeted facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US military. American officials said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s capacity to threaten international shipping and to respond to the deadly attack on US personnel in Jordan. (AP News)

The latest military action follows what US Central Command described as the first combat deaths of American troops from direct Iranian attacks since the conflict intensified earlier this year. Pentagon officials confirmed that two service members were killed, one remains missing and four others were hospitalised after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at a military installation in Jordan. The latest casualties bring the reported US military death toll in the conflict to 16, with more than 430 personnel wounded since hostilities began. (Business Insider)

US officials said Sunday’s operation lasted several hours and struck surveillance systems, missile facilities, air-defence assets and logistics sites used by Iranian forces. Some of the targets were located near Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Hajjiabad and Qeshm Island, areas considered strategically important because of their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. (Financial Times)

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The Strait of Hormuz has become the focal point of the conflict after Iran restricted commercial navigation through the waterway following the outbreak of hostilities. Before the crisis, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the strategic maritime corridor, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets. (AP News)

Iran responded by launching additional drone attacks against US positions and regional allies, including reported strikes targeting military facilities in Kuwait and attacks near Irbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Regional air-defence systems were activated as Gulf states heightened security amid fears of broader military escalation. (The Guardian)

Iranian authorities acknowledged that several areas in Hormozgan Province came under attack but said investigations were ongoing into the extent of the damage. Iranian state media also reported casualties and damage to infrastructure following recent US operations, while officials accused Washington of violating previous understandings aimed at reducing hostilities. (AP News)

The collapse of an interim ceasefire has sharply increased tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian leaders have warned that continued US military operations would trigger stronger retaliation, while the United States has vowed to continue targeting Iranian military capabilities if American forces or regional partners come under attack. (AP News)

The renewed fighting has also heightened concerns over the global economy. Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt oil exports, increase crude prices and place additional pressure on countries already struggling with inflation and high fuel costs.

Diplomatic efforts to restore negotiations remain stalled, with no breakthrough reported despite growing international calls for restraint. Several governments have also updated travel advisories for the Middle East, warning of increased security risks as military operations continue.

With both Washington and Tehran showing no signs of backing down, analysts fear the conflict could expand further unless renewed diplomatic efforts succeed in preventing another full-scale regional confrontation.

US launches fresh airstrikes on Iran after deadly attack kills American troops in Jordan

US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night as Middle East conflict deepens

The United States has launched a seventh consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting military infrastructure and strategic assets as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate, raising fears of a broader conflict across the Middle East and threatening global energy security.

The latest military operation came after US President Donald Trump declared that the temporary ceasefire reached between the two countries in June was “over,” following the collapse of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities across multiple locations in Iran.

CENTCOM said the operation concluded after several hours of coordinated attacks involving fighter jets, armed drones, warships and other precision strike systems, describing the mission as part of efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and protect US interests and allies in the region.

The latest strikes reportedly hit areas around Yazd, Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and other strategic locations, with Iranian state media reporting multiple explosions.

Images and videos circulating online showed damage near the Shahid Mirzaei twin tunnels north of Bandar Abbas, while local authorities reported that attacks on electricity infrastructure and desalination facilities near Jask disrupted drinking water supplies for about 10,000 residents across 20 villages.

Iranian officials also disclosed that more than 100 telecommunications towers were knocked out of service in parts of Hormozgan Province, disrupting mobile, internet and landline communications.

In response, Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks targeting countries hosting US military assets in the Gulf.

Authorities in Kuwait said Iranian strikes damaged a power generation and water desalination facility, triggering a fire that forced the shutdown of several electricity generation units.

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Kuwait’s state news agency later reported that an oil facility also sustained significant damage during repeated attacks, while several people were reportedly injured.

Meanwhile, Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted 10 Iranian missiles that entered its airspace overnight, preventing damage on the ground.

Bahrain also announced that its air defence forces successfully intercepted Iranian projectiles aimed at its territory.

The renewed fighting follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement reached in June to facilitate negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Although the truce initially reduced hostilities, tensions resurfaced after Iran allegedly targeted commercial oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that vessels obtain Tehran’s approval before passing through the strategic waterway.

The United States subsequently resumed military operations and reinforced restrictions around Iranian ports, while Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to shipping.

The waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying roughly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. The disruption has heightened concerns over global energy supplies and contributed to renewed volatility in international oil markets.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that prolonged instability around the Strait could significantly affect global energy security and international trade.

Iran has also claimed responsibility for attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Syria, although Washington has disputed several of Tehran’s claims.

US officials acknowledged that several American service members were injured during recent Iranian attacks on military installations in Jordan but maintained that US operations have been directed exclusively at military objectives.

The White House rejected allegations that American forces deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, insisting that military planners focused on logistics facilities, surveillance systems and assets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that American forces destroyed a control tower at the port of Chabahar, describing it as part of an IRGC maritime surveillance network used to monitor shipping movements around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest escalation has prompted renewed international calls for restraint, with governments and diplomatic organisations warning that continued military exchanges could trigger a wider regional conflict involving additional countries.

Security analysts say the confrontation now represents one of the most serious geopolitical crises in the Middle East in recent years, with potential consequences for global trade, energy markets and international security.

With neither Washington nor Tehran signalling an immediate willingness to de-escalate, concerns continue to grow that the conflict could intensify further in the coming days.

US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night as Middle East conflict deepens