On Saturday, 18th July, the United States carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran after two American service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a military base in Jordan. Another US service member is still missing, while four others who were injured have now been discharged from hospitals in Jordan.
According to the US military, President Donald Trump ordered the strikes as a direct response to Friday’s attack. In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and sending a clear message after the deaths of American troops.
“The strikes are intended to further reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to respond quickly to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces responsible for the attack on our service members in Jordan,” CENTCOM said.
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
The military also said it will not release the names of the two personnel who were killed until their families have been officially informed.
Iran confirms attack on Air base
Iran’s military claimed responsibility for striking the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a major facility used by both Jordanian forces and the US-led coalition. The attack marked another major escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Reacting to the deaths, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen troops, calling them “heroes.” “Their sacrifice only strengthens our determination,” Hegseth said in a message posted on social media.
Since the fighting between the US and Iran began, 16 American service members have lost their lives and more than 430 have been wounded.
NEW: US President Trump orders CENTCOM to ‘open gates of hell’ on Iran after 2 US troops killed in Jordan — C14 pic.twitter.com/Mg25veShLX
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) July 18, 2026
The latest exchange of attacks has increased fears that the conflict could turn into a much larger regional war. Both countries have expanded the range of their military targets, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
Iran has shut down the strategic waterway, while the US military has announced that it has restored a naval blockade around Iran.
Before the latest strikes, CENTCOM had completed seven consecutive nights of planned military operations against Iranian targets. Those attacks reportedly hit underground weapons storage facilities and surveillance sites.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned the United States against continuing its military campaign. Speaking through remarks broadcast on Iranian state television, he said America would face “unforgettable lessons” if the attacks continued. He also dismissed President Trump’s memorandum of understanding, calling his signature “worthless and invalid.”
Regional security on high alert
The conflict has also affected neighbouring countries. On Friday, 17th July, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar said their air defence systems had intercepted incoming hostile attacks. Jordan also successfully blocked incoming strikes, according to its state media.
At the same time, Iranian attacks were reported in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, where at least eight opposition fighters were killed, according to a Kurdish Iranian opposition group.
