Jordan intercepts three Iranian missiles as US President vows retaliation for American casualties

Jordan's military said its air defenses intercepted three Iranian missiles on Monday evening after alerts were issued across the country, with no casualties or damage reported. The latest barrage follows a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S. forces stationed in Jordan, which have included the downing of four drones two days earlier and the interception of multiple ballistic missile salvos over the past week.

Iran also launched four missiles toward the Red Sea port of Aqaba on Sunday; three were intercepted over the Israeli city of Eilat and the fourth fell in an uninhabited area of southern Jordan. Earlier strikes hit the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, killing two American soldiers and prompting investigations into a possible third casualty.

In response, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, "Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over!" He said the directive had been passed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and all U.S. military commanders, though he did not detail the specific actions to be taken.

U.S. officials assess that Tehran is seeking to inflict American casualties to deter further escalation. The United States has already moved additional fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft to the region and President Trump has indicated that future targets could include Iranian energy facilities, bridges and underground nuclear sites, while not ruling out a limited ground operation to seize Kharg Island.

Israel has so far refrained from launching a separate large-scale offensive against Iran, stating that any broader Israeli involvement would depend on U.S. strategic decisions.