Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a chilling warning to President Donald Trump, stating that the United States could face "unforgettable lessons" from Tehran and its allied armed groups, which Iran calls the "Axis of Resistance." The warning came as two US service members were killed in action in Jordan while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
US Troops Killed in Jordan
On July 17, two American service members were killed in Jordan as US and partner forces repelled Iranian ballistic missile and drone strikes. Another service member was reported missing, and four others were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan before being discharged. CENTCOM confirmed the casualties in a statement, saying the troops died defending against the attacks.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the deaths on social media, writing: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
Khamenei's Warning
In a written statement attributed to Khamenei and read on Iranian state television, the supreme leader warned that the US would face "unforgettable lessons" if it continued its attacks on Iran. He also declared President Trump's signature on an interim peace agreement between the two countries as "worthless and invalid," accusing the US of repeatedly breaching commitments made under the deal.
Khamenei reportedly warned of "lessons" from both Iran and armed groups across the region, which Tehran describes as the "Axis of Resistance."
Iran Suspends Commitments
Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Tehran had suspended its commitments under the interim agreement with Washington, claiming the US had violated its obligations under the deal, which was signed around a month ago. He said Iran was "no longer implementing" its commitments.
Iranian Attacks on US Allies
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday it had targeted a US military support centre at Camp Arifjan, south of Kuwait City, as well as a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Iran also launched attacks targeting Bahrain and Jordan, while Kuwait's armed forces said Iranian ballistic missiles and drones had been intercepted.
One of the strikes targeted Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, also known as Azraq, a joint Royal Jordanian Air Force and US Air Force installation in Jordan's Zarqa Governorate. The base has hosted US F-15, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as MQ-9 Reaper drones, making it a significant hub for American airpower in the region.
Escalating Hostilities
The attacks came after a seventh consecutive night of American strikes targeting Iran, as the two countries continued exchanging strikes targeting military sites and infrastructure. The deaths of the two US service members mark a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
