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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Two U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iranian Missile Attack; Iran Withdraws from Peace MOU

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Two U.S. soldiers were killed and one is missing following an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan.
  • This marks the first time U.S. service members have died in a direct Iranian attack since the conflict began.
  • Iran announced its withdrawal from a recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S., citing alleged violations.

Tensions escalated in the Middle East as an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan resulted in the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and left another missing. This incident represents a significant development, marking the first fatalities among U.S. forces due to a direct Iranian assault since the conflict's inception.

Heroes rest in peace. Their sacrifice only strengthens our resolve.

— U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete HegsethThe U.S. Secretary of Defense commented on the deaths of the soldiers via social media platform X.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed the casualties, stating that two soldiers were killed and one went missing while defending against the Iranian attack on February 17th. While the exact location of the attack was not disclosed by the command, The New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials, that the strike targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, Jordan. This base is utilized by both the Jordanian military and the U.S.-led coalition forces, including U.S. fighter jets involved in operations against Iran.

The U.S. violated the promise first.

— Kazem GharibabadiIran's Deputy Foreign Minister explained the reason for withdrawing from the MOU.

In response to the escalating conflict, Iran declared its official withdrawal from a peace memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed just last month. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the U.S. had violated the agreement first, thus nullifying any obligations Iran had under the MOU. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been largely absent since the conflict began, also issued a written statement criticizing President Donald Trump's signature on the agreement as "worthless and untrustworthy."

worthless and untrustworthy

— Ayatollah Ali KhameneiIran's Supreme Leader criticized President Donald Trump's signature on the MOU.

Khamenei further warned that if the U.S. continues its attacks, Iran would deliver an "unforgettable lesson." The U.S. has retaliated with seven consecutive days of airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities, including surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, and underground weapons storage. Iran has broadened its attacks to include surrounding countries with U.S. bases, such as Kuwait and Bahrain, indicating a wider regional confrontation.

will receive an unforgettable lesson

— Ayatollah Ali KhameneiIran's Supreme Leader warned of consequences if the U.S. continues its attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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