2 U.S. soldiers killed in fighting with Iran, military braces for retaliation

2026-07-18

2 U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan

U.S. Central Command said on the 18th that two U.S. soldiers were killed in fighting with Iran and one was missing. The deaths occurred on the 17th in Jordan while intercepting ballistic missile and drone attacks from Iran. Four people were injured.

The deaths of U.S. soldiers were the first since March, when fighting was intense. The exchange of attacks by both sides has intensified, and the U.S. military may take further retaliatory measures.

U.S. military prepares for expanded operations

The Axios news site reported that the U.S. military is preparing to expand military operations against Iran. According to the report, U.S. President Donald Trump could order an expansion of targets beyond military facilities around the Strait of Hormuz within days.

Airstrike plans have also emerged for infrastructure facilities such as power plants and nuclear-related facilities where enriched uranium is stored deep underground. Bombing Mount Pickaxe, which the U.S. says Iran is building a nuclear facility on, is also among the options.

Iran says it will stop complying

Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba, argued on the 18th that if U.S. attacks continue, Iran should deliver an 'unforgettable lesson', according to statements reported the same day by several Iranian media outlets.

Regarding a memorandum aimed at ending the fighting between the U.S. and Iran, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Gharibabadi, said on the 18th, 'We have suspended all commitments and are effectively no longer complying.' Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Mojtaba, also said on the 17th that if U.S. attacks continue for several days, Iran will 'move to a full-scale offensive.'

Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network!