President Donald Trump described the deaths of two American service members in an Iranian attack in Jordan as "a very sad thing," hours after the US military launched a fresh round of strikes against Iran.
Speaking in a brief phone interview with NewsNation, Trump said the two troops had died "in service of our country" and reiterated that the United States' primary objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
"It is a very sad thing," Trump said, adding that the war's central goal is "never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon."
Asked about Iran's announcement that it was no longer abiding by the interim US-Iran memorandum of understanding, Trump dismissed the move.
"I couldn't care less," he said.
US confirms troop deaths
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said two American service members were killed while defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan.
A third service member remains missing, while four others who were injured in the attack have been treated and released from hospitals in Jordan. Additional personnel evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty.
The identities of the two fallen troops have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
The latest fatalities bring the total number of US service members killed since the conflict began to 16, with more than 430 others wounded.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen personnel, writing: "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
Fresh US strikes on Iran
CENTCOM said the latest round of American airstrikes against Iran began at 6pm Eastern Time on Saturday, partly in response to the deadly attack on US forces in Jordan.
Earlier, the military said its latest operations targeted Iranian surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities.
The renewed strikes mark the seventh consecutive night of US military operations against Iranian targets.
Iran suspends interim agreement
Iran also announced it was suspending its commitments under the interim memorandum of understanding signed with the United States about a month ago.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused Washington of violating the agreement through continued military operations.
"The United States has violated its commitments under the deal... and Iran is no longer implementing them," he told Iranian state television.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in remarks carried by state media, warned the United States would face "unforgettable lessons" if attacks continued.
He also described President Trump's signature on the agreement as "worthless and invalid."
Conflict continues to escalate
The latest exchange of attacks has further intensified the conflict between Washington and Tehran, with both sides targeting military infrastructure and strategic assets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint, as both countries continue competing for control of the vital shipping route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world's crude oil exports.
The continued escalation has raised concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies and the prospects for any renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
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