Two American soldiers killed defending US base as Iran expands attacks

Iran’s expanding missile campaign claimed its first American lives of the renewed conflict, as two US troops were killed defending a military base in Jordan from a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones.

By World Israel News Staff

Two American service members were killed Friday while helping defend a US base in Jordan from a massive Iranian missile and drone attack, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday.

The attack marks the first publicly announced American combat deaths since the latest phase of the US-Iran conflict began and brings the total number of US military personnel killed in the war to 16.

CENTCOM said the troops were killed as US and partner forces intercepted a large barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.

A third American service member remains missing in action.

Four additional US troops were evacuated to hospitals in Jordan for treatment but have since been released, while several others suffered minor injuries and have already returned to duty.

The military said it will not release the identities of the fallen until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.

The strike on Jordan was part of a wider Iranian assault targeting US and allied positions across the Gulf, including in Kuwait and Bahrain, following another night of American airstrikes against Iranian military targets.

Jordan’s military said it intercepted multiple incoming missiles and drones over its territory during the attack.

The deaths come as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, accused the United States of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding intended to reduce the fighting.

He declared that President Donald Trump’s signature on the agreement is “utterly worthless and devoid of credibility.”

Khamenei has also threatened to teach the United States what he called “unforgettable lessons,” while Iran’s deputy foreign minister announced that Tehran has suspended its commitments under the interim agreement, blaming Washington for violating its terms.

Meanwhile, the United States has expanded its military campaign.

Recent strikes have targeted Iranian bridges, key rail links used for trade with China and Russia, air defense systems, missile and drone storage facilities, and naval infrastructure along Iran’s southern coast.

According to Iran’s Health Ministry, US strikes since June 27 have killed 50 people and wounded more than 500 others.

The Jordan attack is the deadliest day for US forces since the conflict resumed and the first fatal strike against American troops in the kingdom since the January 2024 drone attack on the Tower 22 outpost near the Syrian border.

That assault, carried out by an Iranian-backed militia, killed three US Army Reserve soldiers and wounded dozens more, making it the deadliest attack on American forces in the region since Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel.