The United States has launched fresh military strikes on Iran after two American soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack on a US military base in Jordan, marking another major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US blamed for the attack. Washington also said the operation aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
What Happened In The Jordan Attack?
CENTCOM said two American soldiers were killed while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Another US service member is still missing, while four injured personnel were taken to hospitals in Jordan before later being discharged. Several other soldiers who suffered minor injuries have already returned to duty. According to the US military, 16 American military personnel have been killed since the conflict began on February 28.
The strikes, ordered by US President Donald Trump, were “designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said on X.
Today at 6 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began launching new airstrikes against Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. 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…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 18, 2026
How Has Iran Responded?
Iranian state media reported that Iranian forces targeted fuel storage facilities at the Al-Azraq US military base in Jordan. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on American military installations in the region.
Why Did The US-Iran Ceasefire Collapse?
The two countries had signed a 14-point preliminary agreement on June 17 aimed at ending the conflict. The deal included an immediate halt to military operations and a commitment to negotiate a final peace agreement within 60 days. However, US President Donald Trump declared the agreement “over” on July 8, while Iran later suspended the memorandum, accusing Washington of violating its commitments.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei strongly criticised the United States, saying the latest attacks proved that agreements signed by the US could not be trusted. He warned that Iran and its allies would teach the United States “unforgettable lessons” if military attacks continued. Major General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iran’s leadership, warned that Iran would no longer limit its response to equal retaliation. He said Iran could launch “full-scale offensive operations” if the United States continued its military campaign.
