Iran killed two US service members defending against a wave of Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan on Friday — with a third member MIA, US Central Command announced Saturday.
“On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks,” the combatant command said in a statement.
“Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.”
The White House had yet to comment on the deaths as of 3 p.m. — nearly two hours after the CENTCOM announcement.
It marks the first fatalities to US military personnel since President Trump ended the cease-fire with Iran last week.
Four additional US troops were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan following the Friday attack but have since been released.
Other personnel who suffered minor injuries have already returned to duty, the military said.
The latest barrage involved both ballistic missiles and attack drones aimed at American and partner forces stationed in Jordan.
An investigation is ongoing.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted to X that their deaths will not deter the US military.
“Godspeed, heroes,” he wrote. “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
Several House Democrats, however, exploited the tragedy to call for an end to the war.
“We owe our servicemembers and their families a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we must begin by preventing future loss of life and bringing this war to an end,” Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.) posted to X.
“This is the cost of President Trump’s needless war,” wrote Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.)
“This country owes a debt that can never be repaid, but we can prevent more tragic loss of life,” Rep. Herb Conaway (D-N.J.) posted to X.
“I demand that Trump end this war that he started and Republicans in Congress do the same. Enough is enough.”
Republicans, meanwhile, called for prayers and put the Iranian regime on notice.
“We honor their sacrifice, stand with our troops, and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable,” Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) wrote.
US forces have faced repeated attacks by Iran and its proxy groups across the Middle East in recent days.
Friday’s attack marks the deadliest day for US forces in the Middle East since March, underscoring the escalating threat posed by Tehran as tensions continue to boil across the region.
It brings the total US troops killed in the Iran war to 16.
CENTCOM did not disclose where in Jordan the attack occurred or provide details about how the service members were killed, saying it was withholding further information out of respect for the families.
Jordan’s armed forces said they had intercepted a number of missiles and drones that entered the kingdom’s airspace, adding that the military acted to protect the country’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
