The Department of War has identified two American soldiers killed last week in attacks attributed to Iranian forces. A third service member remains missing in action.
The fatalities occurred on July 17 when U.S. Central Command and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. The identified soldiers are Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, and First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
Their deaths bring the total number of service members killed since the launch of Operation Epic Fury by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28 to 16. The operation has intensified military engagement across the region.
The president addressed the killings, describing them as "a very sad thing" during a recent phone interview. He stated the soldiers were "in service of our country" and emphasized that they would fight to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
When asked about Iran's declaration that it would no longer abide by a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the president said he "couldn't care less." The remark signals a hardening stance toward Tehran.
Separately, U.S. Central Command confirmed a service member was killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. Another was wounded in the incident, and the deceased soldier has not yet been named.
Several U.S. personnel were also injured this week in Iranian attacks on two Jordanian bases. The continuing assaults have raised concern over regional stability.
One U.S. official said the escalating violence comes as the military prepares for the possibility of a wider war. Planning efforts are underway to address further contingencies.
