Two U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iranian Attack as Tensions Escalate

Reports from Iran said explosions were heard in the port city of Bandar Abbas. According to the Tasnim news agency, the blasts were not the result of an American strike. The report said they were apparently caused by warning fire from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards directed at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday evening that two American soldiers were killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan, in which ballistic missiles and drones were launched toward the area. The military also said another American soldier remains missing.

According to CENTCOM, four additional soldiers were wounded in the attack and were evacuated to hospitals in Jordan. All have since been released, while other personnel treated for minor injuries returned to duty. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X that "the deaths of the fallen only strengthen our resolve."

Late Friday night, shortly before 11:00 p.m., CENTCOM announced it had launched another wave of strikes against Iran, marking the seventh consecutive night of American military operations.

About five hours later, at around 4:00 a.m., CENTCOM said the operation had concluded. In a statement posted on X, the command said the strikes targeted surveillance sites, logistical infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities, and Iran’s naval capabilities.

The U.S. military also emphasized that its naval blockade of Iran’s ports would continue, stating: "More than 50,000 American military personnel are operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and ready."

The announcement comes as tensions across the region continue to escalate. Since hostilities resumed, Iran has launched attacks against targets in Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. In addition to targeting American military bases, Iran reportedly struck a power generation and water desalination facility in Kuwait on Saturday, as well as a site belonging to the country's national oil corporation.

An Iranian military source also warned the United States that if Washington carries out additional strikes overnight, "airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should be evacuated."

Earlier on Saturday, Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, accused the United States of violating the agreement between the two sides. In a public message, he wrote: "The violation of the memorandum of understanding once again proved the worthlessness of the signature of the President of the United States." He also referred to the United States as "the Great Satan," adding: "Now, as the American enemy seeks to incite war, let it know that the Iranian nation and the resistance front have unforgettable lessons for it."

Meanwhile, U.S. diplomatic missions across the Middle East issued a travel advisory for American citizens in Israel and neighboring Arab countries, as well as those planning to travel to the region, citing the deteriorating security situation.

The advisory warned that "due to the high tensions in the Middle East and concern over unpredictable escalation, the U.S. State Department is calling on its citizens to reconsider any travel to the entire region."

It also noted that U.S. missions throughout the region continue to operate under evacuation orders, including the relocation of non-essential government personnel and the suspension of routine visa services.

"Because of the high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unpredictable escalation," the statement said.