Iran Missile Strike Kills 2 US Troops in Jordan as Hormuz Traffic Slows to a Trickle
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 22
Iran Missile Strike Kills 2 US Troops in Jordan as Hormuz Traffic Slows to a Trickle
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 22
Summary
Iranian ballistic missiles hit a US airbase in Jordan on Friday, killing two American service members and leaving a third missing, the latest escalation after a ceasefire with Tehran collapsed.
17 US service members have been killed and about 430 wounded since the war began, after 10 days of renewed tit-for-tat attacks that included US airstrikes on Iranian command sites, missile launchers and bridges.
Hormuz traffic has slowed to a trickle under Iran's attacks on tankers and a renewed US blockade of Iranian shipping, pushing oil above $90 a barrel and disrupting the global economy again.
The widening conflict now threatens broader regional energy routes, with Yemen's Houthis announcing a blockade of Saudi ports and ships and Iran retaining leverage to hit Gulf energy infrastructure.
Beyond military strikes and failed deals, what is the actual US endgame for its war with Iran?
How can Iran rebuild its entire drone arsenal in only six months after devastating US strikes?
With the Strait of Hormuz paralyzed, who truly profits from this global energy crisis?
The 2026 Middle East Crisis: U.S.-Iran Escalation, Infrastructure War, and Global Oil Shock
Overview
On July 17, 2026, Iran launched a major missile and drone attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, causing the deaths of four U.S. service members and wounding several others. In response, the United States began a strong retaliatory campaign, with U.S. Central Command carrying out airstrikes against Iranian military sites. While initial statements framed these strikes as a response to attacks on commercial ships, President Trump later made it clear they were in honor of the fallen service members. This marked a sharp escalation, setting the stage for a broader and more dangerous conflict in the region.