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Iran live updates: US launches airstrikes after deadly attack on troops in Jordan

Two service members were killed, and one is missing after the attack.

ByDavid Brennan, Nadine El-Bawab, and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 6:37 PM EDT

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.

Delegations from the U.S. and Iran entered negotiations in June aimed at a war-ending deal based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries.

The U.S. and Iran have nonetheless continued to exchange relatively limited strikes despite the signing of the memorandum and amid the continuation of peace talks, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz the primary flashpoint.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
5:08 PM EDT

UAE calls for regional de-escalation, condemns targeting of civilian facilities

The foreign ministry of the United Arab Emirates expressed "deep concern" over the regional developments in a statement on Saturday and called for "immediate de-escalation."

PHOTO: A heavily-damaged bridge which was hit by a US strike is pictured along the road connecting Roudan and Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, on July 18, 2026.
A heavily-damaged bridge which was hit by a US strike is pictured along the road connecting Roudan and Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, on July 18, 2026. The United States hit Iran on July 17, with Tehran accusing US forces of striking civilians sites and drawing Iranian threats of reprisals on regional infrastructure. A battle over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has rekindled the war in the Middle East and the foes have traded fire for six days running.
Amir Hossein Khorgooei/ISNA via AFP via Getty Images

The UAE foreign ministry added that the targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian facilities in the region, "constitutes a flagrant and grave violation of the established principles and provisions of international law."

-ABC News' Somayeh Malekian

5:08 PM EDT

Military deaths mark 1st US combat deaths in 4 months

The two U.S. servicemembers killed in action in Jordan on Friday are the first U.S. combat deaths since the early days of the war.

The last combat death occurred on March 8.

That was from injuries sustained during a March 1 retaliation strike on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia from Iran.

In early July, a Navy pilot died in a helicopter crash during an incident that was described as not having been caused by hostile action.

-ABC News' Emily Chang, Steve Beynon and Jonathan Karl

4:50 PM EDT

EU, Gulf states condemn Iranian attacks on regional countries

The European Union and Bahrain, in its capacity as Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and regional countries, reaffirming that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed under international law, in a joint statement Saturday.

The statement also rejects "any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any state" and any attempt to impose permits, fees or restrictions on passage.

They called on Iran to end all attacks and interference with shipping and pledged continued cooperation to protect maritime security, while also supporting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

1:38 PM EDT

2 US service members killed, another missing

Two U.S. service members were killed on Friday and a third service member is missing, U.S. Central Command said in a statement Saturday.

"Two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing in action," CENTCOM said.

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