Iranian missile attack kills two service members in Jordan

Two American service members were killed and another is missing following an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on a U.S. air base in Jordan on July 17, marking the first U.S. combat fatalities in the ongoing conflict since March. The attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base also wounded four other troops, who were medically evacuated and later discharged, according to U.S. Central Command.

The strike represents a significant escalation in hostilities that have intensified since a fragile interim ceasefire agreement collapsed roughly a week prior. It was reportedly the fourth Iranian attack on U.S. forces in Jordan within five days, part of a series that U.S. officials said had wounded dozens of service members and damaged helicopters in recent days. Video footage circulating online showed the moment of impact as at least two missiles struck the base, sending plumes of smoke into the air.

In response, the United States conducted retaliatory airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites. U.S. officials stated the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten American personnel and targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units linked to the Jordan attack, hitting...