by Sharon Rondeau
(Jul. 18, 2026) — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that two U.S. service personnel were killed Friday after the Iranian regime launched “ballistic missile and drone attacks” on a U.S. base in Jordan.
Four American service members were wounded, CENTCOM said, but “have since been discharged.”
Some with “minor injuries” have returned to their duties, CENTCOM added.
One service member remains missing, the press release said.
“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,” the announcement concludes.
The Iranian attacks followed seven consecutive nights of U.S. attacks on Iran after President Trump determined Iran violated the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to which Iran agreed in June.
Earlier Saturday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ostensibly pledged fierce retaliation for the U.S. strikes, stating the U.S. had violated the MOU.
Khamenei has not appeared live at any time since his anointing as the rogue nation’s new leader following the demise of his father as a result of U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28.
Trump has not yet responded to CENTCOM’s announcement on Truth Social, where he often posts multiple times daily.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responded to CENTCOM with, “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
Times of Israel is providing live updates as they occur in this developing story.