Overnight Iranian strikes on a military base in Jordan damaged multiple U.S. military aircraft, including an attack jet that lost a wing, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
The strikes targeted Muwaffaq Salti Air Base overnight Tuesday into Wednesday local time. Among the damaged fleet, one A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, widely known as the Warthog, was struck and lost a wing. Approximately eight F-15 fighter jets also sustained light damage but have already been returned to service. No American deaths have been reported as a result of the bombardment.
The overnight escalation followed a U.S. announcement on Tuesday that it had targeted five Iranian tankers in retaliation for Iran targeting a U.S. Navy warship. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it launched retaliatory strikes against eight tankers and two warships, which included targeting the air base in Jordan.
During the attack, U.S. forces in Jordan deployed more than 30 Patriot missiles to defend the installation. The heavy use of these defensive systems comes amid ongoing concerns among U.S. officials regarding a rapidly depleting stockpile of Patriot missiles and other precision-guided munitions.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday before departing for Texas, President Trump suggested that Iran is acting out of desperation to influence the upcoming midterm elections, predicting that the conflict would end swiftly afterward.
"I think the war will end immediately after the election, because they can't hold out any longer," Trump said. "They're desperate to try and affect the election so we can get a nice, weak group of people in there and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon."
Trump warned of the global security threat posed by Tehran's nuclear ambitions, stating, "All they want is a nuclear weapon and if they had a nuclear weapon the whole world is in deep trouble." Despite the rising tensions, Trump indicated he has no intention of negotiating with Iran in the near future prior to the midterms.
Related Articles
Meet Md. Rubel Rana
​As a core contributor to Worlddincidents.com, Rubel Rana brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism. Whether it’s deep-diving into historical trivia or covering the latest global headlines, Rubel Rana is committed to delivering high-quality, high-impact articles. Their writing blends meticulous research with a compelling voice, helping readers stay informed and curious about the world around them.