Two U.S. service members were killed on July 17, 2026, while U.S. Central Command and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. A third service member remains missing, according to the U.S. military.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deaths in a statement. The incident occurred at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which hosts U.S. troops and fighter jets. At least two Iranian ballistic missiles struck the base.
Four additional American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan for treatment of injuries but have since been discharged. Other personnel evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty.
CENTCOM stated: “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.”
The U.S. military is withholding the identities of the fallen service members until 24 hours after their families have been notified.
This marks the first U.S. troop deaths in the renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, which has seen intensified strikes across the region in recent weeks following the collapse of an interim ceasefire. Jordan reported that its forces helped intercept some of the Iranian projectiles targeting U.S. positions.
The attack comes amid broader regional tensions, with Iran launching missiles and drones at U.S. and allied positions, and the U.S. conducting strikes in response.
