Amman: The US military has reported its first combat fatalities since March as tensions between Iran and the United States intensify. Two US service members were killed, and another is missing during defensive operations in Jordan, as hostilities in the region continue to escalate, threatening a fragile cease-fire. The Pentagon confirmed the incident occurred during actions to counter Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on July 18 that the attack resulted in two fatalities and one missing service member. Four additional service members were injured, with two already discharged from Jordanian hospitals. The incident occurred at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key site for US operations, where American forces have been launching air strikes against Iran.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences in an interview with NewsNation, calling the deaths "very sad" and emphasizing the service members' sacrifices for the country. US defense chief Pete Hegseth also paid tribute, writing on X: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
The recent fatalities add to a growing list of US service member deaths since the onset of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. This includes six service members killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1 and another killed at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 8. Additional incidents have occurred, including a plane crash in Iraq and a noncombat helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea.
In response to recent US military actions, Iran has announced the suspension of an interim agreement, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Washington. Iranian officials have accused the US of violating the Islamabad declaration of intent, leading to Tehran's suspension of its commitments. Iran has retaliated by launching attacks on US allies in the Gulf region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Jordan.
Iranian Major General Mohsen Rezaei has issued warnings of potential full-scale offensive operations should US strikes persist. The MOU, intended to facilitate a peaceful resolution, has been undermined by renewed hostilities, particularly concerning Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies.
A statement from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei condemned US actions, asserting that Iran and its allies are prepared to offer significant resistance. Khamenei, who has been absent from public view since his father's death in February, has raised concerns about his health and leadership capabilities. His absence during key national events has fueled speculation about the country's leadership amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.