Amman: The US military faced a significant loss in its ranks as two service members were killed and one went missing during defensive operations in Jordan. This tragic event marks the first combat fatalities since March in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as tensions in the region continue to escalate, threatening a fragile cease-fire.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on July 18 that the fatalities occurred on July 17 when US and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. In addition to the two fatalities, one service member is still missing. Four other service members suffered injuries and were transported to Jordanian hospitals; two have since been discharged, while others with minor injuries have returned to duty. The site of the attack remains unspecified, and identification of the victims is pending family notification.
The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, located approximately 80 kilometers outside Amman, serves as the primary site for US operations in Jordan. US forces also operate from the Prince Hassan Air Base and other military facilities in the country. The Wall Street Journal, referencing sources, reported that the attack took place at the Muwaffaq Salti base, which has been a launch point for US air strikes against Iran.
In response to the incident, US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, describing the deaths as “very sad” and emphasizing the service members’ dedication to their country in an interview with NewsNation. US defense chief Pete Hegseth also paid tribute to the fallen service members, writing on X: “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
The recent fatalities increase the total number of known US service member deaths since the onset of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 to 16, with all but one case resulting from combat. Previous incidents include a drone attack in Kuwait, an attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and a plane crash in Iraq, among others.
The latest casualties coincide with Iranian officials announcing the suspension of an interim agreement, known as the memorandum of understanding (MOU), between Washington and Tehran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi cited US “aggressive measures” as a violation of the Islamabad declaration of intent, leading to the suspension. Iran has retaliated to US strikes with missile and drone attacks on US Gulf Arab allies, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Iranian Major General Mohsen Rezaei warned that Tehran might resume “full-scale offensive operations” if US strikes persist. The MOU had been designed to facilitate a permanent end to hostilities, focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway for global oil and gas supplies. Recent Iranian strikes on vessels in the strait prompted the latest wave of US counterattacks on Iranian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, a statement attributed to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei criticized the United States for allegedly breaching the MOU. The statement, broadcasted on state TV, asserted that the Iranian nation and its allies have significant lessons for the US. Khamenei’s absence from public view since February 28, following an attack that killed his father and injured him, raises questions about his health and leadership amid ongoing tensions.