Two US service members were killed and one remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeted a base in Jordan on Friday, military officials confirmed. The assault marks the latest escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with casualties now totaling 16 American deaths since hostilities resumed.
Casualties and military response in Jordan
US Central Command (Centcom) reported that four service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals but have since been discharged. Others with minor injuries returned to duty. Jordan’s military intercepted 10 Iranian missiles overnight, with no reported damage on its soil.
Centcom withheld the identities of the deceased, stating it would wait 24 hours after notifying next of kin. In a Saturday statement, the command confirmed the deaths occurred "as US and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks."
Iran’s claims and US retaliation
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed via state media to have destroyed at least two US fighter aircraft at Al-Azraq base in Jordan early Saturday. Centcom declined to comment on the report.
The US has conducted seven consecutive nights of strikes on Iran since President Donald Trump declared the temporary ceasefire "over." Iranian state media, citing the health ministry, reported at least 50 deaths and 500 injuries from US strikes over the past three weeks.
Diplomatic breakdown and regional toll
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei accused the US of "repeated breaches" of a June preliminary peace deal, calling Washington’s commitments "utterly worthless." The conflict, which began on February 28, has killed thousands across the Middle East, according to official figures.
Khamenei, not seen publicly since an attack killed his father at the war’s start, issued his statement late Saturday. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the troop deaths on X, writing: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
