Nairobi: The United States announced it has initiated a new series of airstrikes against Iran. This decision came following directives from the Commander in Chief, as announced by the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) on the American social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, the strikes commenced at 6 p.m. ET and are aimed at undermining Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation also seeks to swiftly retaliate against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces responsible for recent attacks on American service members stationed in Jordan.

CENTCOM reported that American service members were killed and one remains missing following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan on Friday. A statement from CENTCOM disclosed that on July 17, two U.S. service members lost their lives while defending against these assaults.

The statement further noted that four American personnel were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan, have been discharged, and others with minor injuries have returned to duty. CENTCOM emphasized the respect for the families of the fallen by withholding additional details, including their identities, until 24 hours after notifying the next of kin.

President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, describing the deaths as 'a very sad thing.' He remarked to NewsNation that, unfortunately, such sacrifices are part of serving the nation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged the incident in a post on X, honoring the fallen with a message that their sacrifice strengthens the nation's resolve.