Two U.S. service members were killed on July 18, 2026, in an Iranian attack in Jordan, according to U.S. officials. This incident raises the total number of confirmed U.S. military deaths in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict to 16. One additional service member is reported missing, while four others were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan and have since been discharged, as stated by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM reported that the deaths occurred during defensive operations against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks but did not provide further details. The names of the deceased will be withheld for at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed condolences on social media, stating, "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
Pentagon data indicates that at least 427 U.S. service members have sustained injuries since the conflict began in late February, following coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
The conflict has escalated recently, with both sides accusing each other of violating a ceasefire agreement reached last month. Iran has reported significant casualties from U.S. strikes, claiming 50 deaths and 500 injuries this month.
In response to increased Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire and the resumption of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran no longer considers itself bound by the ceasefire agreement.