Two Americans Killed, One Missing, as Iran Attacks US Base in Jordan

Two American service members were killed, and a third is missing after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck an air base in Jordan used by U.S. forces, U.S. Central Command said July 18.

Four other American service members were wounded in the strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan, known as MSAB. The wounded were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged, CENTCOM said. An unspecified number of other personnel were also injured.

The troops were killed as U.S. and partner forces “defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks,” CENTCOM said. Video circulating on social media appeared to show ballistic missiles impacting the base.

CENTCOM is withholding further information pending notification of next of kin. Names are typically divulged 24 hours after families are notified.

Dozens of U.S. fighter jets are based at MSAB, which has been a key hub for Air Force strikes against Iran.

The Trump administration ratcheted up its air campaign against Iran after a tenuous ceasefire collapsed last week. U.S. forces have attacked Iranian military facilities, multiple bridges, and other infrastructure for the past week, and Iran has launched missiles and drones at multiple bases used by the U.S. in the region, as well as at Gulf countries’ population centers.

The U.S. conducted its eighth straight day of airstrikes following Iran’s strike on the Jordanian base. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the deadly attack “only stiffens our resolve.”

“The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

At least 16 American service members have been killed in action since fighting with Iran began Feb. 28. At least nine have been killed in Iranian attacks. The other seven service members killed died in aircraft crashes—six Airmen when a KC-135 collided with another tanker, and a Navy pilot lost at sea when his helicopter crashed. Over 400 troops have been wounded since the conflict began.

Staff writer Stephen Losey contributed reporting.