Two US Service Members Killed, One Missing in Iranian Attack on Jordan
Two American service members were killed and another is missing after Iran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on a US military facility in Jordan on Friday, marking the first US combat deaths in the Iran war since March and threatening to collapse a recently signed ceasefire deal.
First US Combat Deaths Since March
Two US service members were killed and one is missing in action, US Central Command announced Saturday, marking the first American military deaths in the Iran war since March. On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.
Broader Casualties and Response
Four additional American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged, according to CENTCOM. The latest fatalities bring the U.S. military death toll from the Iran war to 16. CENTCOM said it will withhold the identities of the fallen soldiers until 24 hours after their next of kin are notified.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The U.S. and Iran have traded strikes for the past week, with Iran hitting neighboring nations where American military bases are located. At least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in Iran since the U.S. resumed its bombing campaign, according to Iran's Ministry of Health. Two US service members were killed and one is missing in action after Iranian strikes in Jordan, the military announced Saturday, marking the first American military deaths in the Iran war since March.
Ceasefire Agreement Unravels
Tehran says it will no longer seek to implement the initial agreement reached with Washington last month, and Iran's supreme leader derided US President Donald Trump's signature as "worthless" in a new statement. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV that Iran is suspending its commitments to the memorandum of understanding with the U.S., accusing the U.S. of violating its own commitments under the deal. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said in a statement Saturday that the U.S. violation of the MoU proved the "worthlessness and invalidity" of President Donald Trump's signature and warned of heavy repercussions for the U.S.