US launches retaliation strikes to 'swiftly punish' Tehran as Trump responds to death of two service members and disappearance of another in Iran attack
The US has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran in retaliation for the deaths of two service members who were killed in a missile attack on an American air base in Jordan.
Central Command vowed to 'punish' Tehran with a new barrage of strikes, beginning at 6pm EST on Saturday and marking the eighth consecutive night of attacks against Iran.
'The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night,' CENTCOM said in a statement.
The strikes hit the base overnight on Friday. In addition to the two fatalities, one service member is missing in action, and four others were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals in the attack. The troops have since been discharged, CENTCOM added.
'Out of respect for the families, CENTCOM will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified,' the agency said.
President Trump told NewsNation that the soldiers' deaths were a 'very sad thing.' He added: 'We hate to see it happen. It’s in service to our country.'
The president also reiterated his goal of 'never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's sentiment on X, writing: >>24841782 [LB] 'Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.'
However, Trump struck a more threatening tone in his directives to CENTCOM, reportedly telling troops to 'open the gates of hell' on Iran, according to Israeli broadcaster C14 News. …
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