US and Iran exchange strikes after two US soldiers killed in Jordan

July 19, 2026

The United States and Iran have engaged in an escalating cycle of military strikes following an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan that killed two American soldiers and left one missing. The US conducted its eighth consecutive night of air strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance, air defense facilities, and Revolutionary Guard positions, while Iran retaliated by striking infrastructure in Kuwait and attempting attacks on Bahrain. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels against transit, while the US has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports after their preliminary ceasefire collapsed less than a month after taking effect.

Who is affected

Two US soldiers killed in Jordan and one missing US service member
16 total American military deaths including a Navy pilot declared dead
At least 50 Iranians killed and more than 500 injured
Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) personnel
Citizens and infrastructure in Kuwait (power and water plants struck twice)
Bahrain (targeted by Iranian attacks)
Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
Vessels and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz
Residents near the Aqaba airport and seaport in Jordan

What action is being taken

The US is launching air strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance, air defense facilities, and IRGC positions
Iran is conducting strikes against infrastructure in Kuwait and attempting attacks on Bahrain
The US is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping
Kuwait is working to control fires at the power and water distillation plant hit for the second time
Iranian Revolutionary Guards are warning vessels and causing "accidents" for ships transiting the Strait

Why it matters

This represents a dangerous escalation between the United States and Iran that threatens regional stability in the strategically vital Persian Gulf region. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, poses significant risks to international commerce and energy markets. The collapse of the preliminary ceasefire after less than a month demonstrates the fragility of diplomatic agreements between the two nations, while the targeting of critical civilian infrastructure by both sides raises serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and the potential for widespread civilian casualties and disruption of essential services.

What's next

The IRGC has warned that vessels "influenced" by the US using the Strait of Hormuz "will certainly face accidents"
Kuwait stated that "efforts are underway to control the fire" at the struck power and water plant

Read full article from source: BBC