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

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