US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that two US soldiers were killed and one is missing in action after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on Jordan on Friday, July 18, 2026. CENTCOM stated that US troops and partner forces "defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks." Four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals and have since been discharged, with other personnel who sustained minor injuries returning to duty.

Iranian forces claimed that attack drones struck aircraft shelters, parking areas, and fuel storage tanks of the US military at Sheikh Isa Air Base, as well as several connecting bridges in Bahrain. The Iranian army also stated that air defense systems intercepted and shot down 10 Iranian missiles that had entered Jordanian airspace targeting the Kingdom's territory.

In response to the renewed clashes and recent US strikes, Iran issued a statement attributed to its new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been publicly seen or heard for months. The statement rebuked the US, declaring that "the signature of the US President is utterly worthless and devoid of credibility," referring to breaches of a memorandum of understanding signed by the Presidents of Iran and the US. The statement also described coercion, totalitarianism, and brutality as inseparable components of the US creed and doctrine.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's presidency announced that President Aoun will hold discussions with several American officials concerning the situation in Lebanon, focusing on strengthening the ceasefire in the south and the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territories it occupies.

Additionally, a fire broke out in a component of a power plant, leading to the disconnection of some power generation units as emergency measures to maintain the stability of the electrical grid and limit potential service impacts.

Sources