US launches fresh strikes on Iran after attack in Jordan kills US service members

CAIRO – 19 July 2026: The United States said on Sunday it launched an eighth consecutive night of strikes, “swiftly punishing” Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following a recent attack in Jordan that killed at least two US service members.

Two US service members were killed and another remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on Jordan on Friday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.

Four US service members were also medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged, the command noted, while other personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty.

CENTCOM said Sunday’s strikes were intended to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz while "swiftly punishing" the IRGC for the attack in Jordan.

According to CENTCOM, US forces struck Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone storage sites.

 

In retaliation, the Iranian military said it launched strikes on Al-Adiri Camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, targeting US military assets and equipment.

The Kuwaiti army said its air defenses were intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks.

In a message circulated by Iranian media on Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whom US President Donald Trump has said he believes is likely dead, pledged to teach Washington "unforgettable lessons" for its “repeated breaches” of the ceasefire between the two sides.