The U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, has now revealed that two United States service members were killed and one remains missing following a missile and drone attack by Iran. The attack was targeted at the U.S. forces in Jordan.
CENTCOM Statement on Recently Fallen, Missing U.S. Service Members
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 18, 2026
TAMPA, Fla. — 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. Additionally,…
The CENTCOM post reads:
TAMPA, Fla. — 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. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.
Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty.
Out of respect for the families, CENTCOM will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.
This comes on the tail of CENTCOM's announcement of the completion of another wave of strikes against targets in Iran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities. U.S. forces employed fighter aircraft, aerial drones, and warships in addition to other assets.
CENTCOM continues to hold Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction while fully enforcing a naval blockade against Iranian ports.
More than 50,000 American service members are operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.
RedState's own streiff reported earlier on Iran's dismissal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the injury of one service member in Jordan in this strike:
Read More: Iran Declares Peace MOU Void As Missile Strikes Injure US Troops in Jordan
Things are getting interesting; Iran has been taking a world-class beating, but they obviously still have a few weapons to toss. They have been lashing out, not only against American forces, ships, and installations, but against their Gulf-state neighbors, as well, which isn't really the smartest thing they could do. A sign of growing desperation?
Read More: Iran Reportedly Fires Missile at US Base in Saudi Arabia
Jordan has been a regular supporter of American and Israeli operations in the Middle East. They have actively intercepted Iranian missiles and drones transiting Jordanian airspace, whether those are aimed at American or Israeli targets. Jordanian airports, like the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, are used by United States logistics flights into the region, and American forces, including air-defense assets, are sited at several bases within Jordan. They are a key ally to the American operations in Iran, even if they are not entering the conflict directly.
As of this writing, CENTCOM has not yet stated where or against what assets the Iranian attack was aimed.
In the meantime, our hearts are with the families of the service members who fell this day, serving their country. And yes, that's something else that the U.S. should hold Iran accountable for.
UPDATE [4:00 PM Eastern]: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has released a statement about the service members' deaths:
Godspeed, heroes.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 18, 2026
Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve. https://t.co/GIcfNdAol0
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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