Iranian Missiles Strike US Airbase in Jordan, Killing Two Soldiers in Three Attacks

The Wall Street Journal has revealed new details about recent Iranian missile attacks on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which houses American forces. Over a 24-hour period last week, three separate missile strikes targeted the base. The final attack hit temporary housing units where US soldiers were sleeping, killing two American servicemen. Earlier strikes included missile fragments hitting the base gym, causing injuries but no fatalities, and a missile strike on an empty aircraft hangar.

Despite air raid alarms sounding before each attack, not all soldiers reached shelters in time during the fatal strike. It remains unclear whether the two soldiers killed were inside the housing units or caught outside en route to safety. The fact that three Iranian missiles penetrated US air defenses highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting approximately 50,000 American troops stationed in the region from Iran’s significant ballistic missile and drone arsenal.

Iran has adapted its missile tactics to evade US defenses by launching high-speed, maneuverable missiles. These attacks have sparked debate within the US about the ongoing conflict. Although Iran has repeatedly targeted bases with missiles and drones, US officials have not confirmed that Iran deliberately aimed to maximize casualties among soldiers.

The deadly missile strikes on the Jordanian airbase are part of a series of recent Iranian attacks on US military installations in the region, including a Saudi airbase hosting American forces. Iran also struck a separate Jordanian airport, damaging several US Army Black Hawk helicopters. These attacks come amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with the Trump administration seeking to expand targets within Iran’s infrastructure.