Tehran: The US Department of War, the Pentagon, has announced that a third service member is presumed dead following an Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the department stated that the 28-year-old service member, previously reported missing, has had their status updated to 'Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown, believed deceased.' This tragic development follows an attack by Iranian forces that has already claimed the lives of two US service members and left another missing.

The New York Times had earlier reported, citing US officials, that Iran's attack was the fourth on US forces in Jordan within five days. The series of attacks resulted in numerous injuries among US personnel and significant damage to several helicopters.

US officials, speaking to the newspaper on condition of anonymity, noted the frequency of the attacks and the resultant casualties as evidence of Iran's considerable missile stockpiles and improved capability in evading US air defense systems.

Furthermore, the officials highlighted Jordan's increasing strategic importance for US military operations. As other regional allies imposed restrictions on the deployment of American forces and the use of their airspace, the Pentagon shifted some forces from Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar to Jordan and Israel, considering these locations safer. Jordan's role has thus expanded significantly in the lead-up to and initial stages of the conflict.