Amman: The US military has experienced its first combat fatalities since March in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Pentagon confirmed that two service members were killed and another is missing during defensive operations in Jordan, as tensions in the region escalate, threatening a fragile cease-fire.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on X that the tragic incident occurred on July 17, during efforts to defend against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. In addition to the fatalities, four other service members were injured and transported to Jordanian hospitals for medical attention. Two have since been released, while others were treated for minor injuries and returned to duty. Details regarding the exact location of the attack within Jordan were not disclosed, nor were the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
The US operates several military facilities in Jordan, including the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and the Prince Hassan Air Base. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the attack took place at the Muwaffaq Salti base, which has been a launch site for US air strikes against Iran.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences during an interview with NewsNation, calling the deaths "very sad" and acknowledging the service members' sacrifice in service to the country. Meanwhile, US defense chief Pete Hegseth offered his respects on X, stating, "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
The recent fatalities bring the total number of US service member deaths since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28 to 16, with all but one being combat-related. Previous incidents include a drone attack in Kuwait and a soldier's death in Saudi Arabia.
Amid these developments, Iranian officials have announced the suspension of an interim agreement, the memorandum of understanding (MOU), between Washington and Tehran. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi cited US violations of the Islamabad declaration of intent as the reason for the suspension. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US Gulf Arab allies and has threatened to resume full-scale offensive operations if US strikes continue.
The MOU was designed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict and reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and gas transit route blocked by Iran. Recent Iranian strikes on vessels attempting to navigate the strait have prompted US retaliation aimed at diminishing Iran's military capabilities along the waterway.
A statement attributed to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei condemned the US for repeated MOU violations, warning of serious consequences. Khamenei's absence from public appearances since being injured in a February attack has fueled speculation about his health and leadership capabilities in a nation of approximately 90 million people.