OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
Saturday, July 18, 2026
UPDATE: 2:40 PM – War Secretary Pete Hegseth has made his first statement since two U.S. service members were confirmed to have died in Jordan, marking the first American fatalities in the United States’ conflict with Iran since March.
“Godspeed, heroes,” Hegseth wrote. “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
President Donald Trump has not yet made a public statement about the fallen service members. Their identities will not be released publicly until after their next of kin are notified. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed that a third service member, who was reportedly missing in action, was located.
Iran’s attacks against its Gulf neighbors harboring U.S. military bases came after the seventh consecutive night of U.S. strikes on the country.
10:32 AM – United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two U.S. service members were killed in action in Jordan and one member is currently missing after military strikes between the U.S. and Iran resumed in recent days.
“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,” CENTCOM stated on X on Saturday. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action.”
The command explained in the statement that four American service members were transferred to hospitals in Jordan and have since been discharged, with some having returned to duty after being evaluated for minor injuries.
CENTCOM will withhold additional information about the fallen service members until after their next of kin have been notified of their deaths.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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