According to the Pentagon, the casualties occurred on July 17 while US and partner forces were defending against a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Jordan.
CENTCOM confirms casualties
In its statement, CENTCOM said two US service members were killed in action during the defensive operation, while another service member is still missing.
The command also confirmed that four American personnel were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan following the attacks.
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,…
All four have since been discharged after receiving treatment.
Officials added that several other personnel who sustained minor injuries were assessed and have already returned to duty.
CENTCOM said it would withhold further details, including the identities of the deceased service members, until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been formally notified.
Pentagon withholds identities
The US military said it would not immediately release the names of the two service members who died, following standard notification procedures.
The Pentagon stated that additional information would be made public only after the families of the deceased had been informed.
Iranian Supreme Leader issues warning
The military update came as Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a fresh warning to Washington, cautioning against continued US military action.
In a statement posted on X, Khamenei said: "Now that the American enemy seeks to incite war and bear its most serious consequences, it should know that the dear Iranian nation and the axis of resistance have unforgettable lessons to offer it."
He also criticised US President Donald Trump, describing the President's signature on the deal as "worthless and invalid."
Regional tensions remain high
The deaths of the two US service members come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging sharp rhetoric as the regional security situation continues to evolve.
The incident marks another escalation in the conflict, with investigations and military assessments continuing into the circumstances surrounding the Iranian missile and drone strikes on Jordan.