Strikes in Jordan Suggest Iran Is Evading US Defenses Better

Jordan has suddenly shifted from relative backwater to front line in the escalating fight between the US and Iran. American officials said Iran has hit US forces in Jordan four times in five days, killing two soldiers, leaving one missing, and injuring dozens. The strikes, they say, show Iran still has deep missile reserves and is getting better at evading US defenses, the New York Times reports. The ability to hit such targets could indicate Iran is receiving targeting help from China or Russia, US officials familiar with the attack told the Wall Street Journal.

Jordan now hosts key US air bases after troops were moved there from Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar, as those governments narrowed US basing and overflight rights. The recent barrage included hits on a residential compound at King Faisal Air Base, a helicopter hub in eastern Jordan, and twice on Muwawffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq, where this weekend's fatal strike occurred. Iran's military said it used drones and missiles on fuel tanks and aircraft shelters at Azraq; the Pentagon isn't publicly detailing the attacks. President Trump had already signaled plans to step up strikes on Iran's infrastructure in the coming week. After the deaths at the Azraq base, per CBS News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted, "Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."