WASHINGTON — Two U.S. service members were killed and another remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on U.S. and partner forces in Jordan, the U.S. military said on Saturday, marking the first confirmed American combat deaths from direct Iranian fire since the early days of the current conflict and heightening concerns over a broader regional escalation.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the troops were killed on July 17 while defending against the attacks alongside partner forces. The command said four additional American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged, while others treated for minor injuries have returned to duty. CENTCOM said it was withholding the identities of the dead pending notification of next of kin.
The deaths come as fighting between the United States and Iran has intensified following the collapse of an interim ceasefire, with both sides carrying out repeated military strikes across the region. Iranian attacks have targeted U.S. military facilities and regional partners, while U.S. forces have continued strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, according to statements from both governments.
The latest fatalities raise the official U.S. military death toll in the conflict to 16, according to U.S. defense officials. Previous losses included personnel killed in attacks in Kuwait and Iraq, as well as military aviation accidents linked to the ongoing campaign.
Iranian officials have defended their military operations as retaliation for continued U.S. strikes, while warning that further attacks would prompt additional responses. The United States has said its operations are directed at military objectives and has accused Iran of escalating the conflict through missile and drone attacks against U.S. personnel and regional allies.
Jordan has not reported broader details about damage from the attack but has previously coordinated closely with U.S. forces stationed in the country. The kingdom has long hosted American military personnel supporting regional security operations.
CENTCOM said search efforts for the missing service member were continuing. U.S. officials have not released further operational details, citing security considerations and the ongoing mission.
