Iran Launches Missile Attacks on U.S. Bases in Jordan

Following the collapse of a ceasefire last week, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks against U.S. and allied targets in the Middle East. On July 17, strikes hit the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing two U.S. service members and leaving one missing. On July 19, Iranian missiles targeted the coastal city of Aqaba, Jordan, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed further strikes on fighter jet shelters at Al-Azraq and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

In response, U.S. forces conducted eight waves of strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance, air defense facilities, missile storage sites, and the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant. U.S. officials expressed concern that Iran's improved targeting precision may be the result of assistance from Russia or China.

Combined Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted missiles aimed at Aqaba. The Israeli military warned its citizens to prepare for air raid sirens as the conflict risks spilling over into Israeli territory. Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged in Jordan; the U.S. Embassy in Amman issued alerts claiming the Aqaba airport and seaport were evacuated, but Jordanian Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al Momani denied these claims, stating both facilities remained operational.