Several US military aircraft were damaged during an overnight Iranian attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, adding to the growing military tensions between Iran and the United States across the Middle East. The attack targeted a key US airpower hub in Jordan and reportedly caused significant damage to American combat aircraft stationed at the facility.
An A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, was reportedly hit during the strike and suffered extensive damage, including the loss of a wing. Around eight F-15 fighter jets also sustained lighter damage during the attack. The affected F-15 aircraft were reportedly returned to service, indicating that the damage to those aircraft was limited enough to allow them to resume operations.
The Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, located near Al Azraq in Jordan, is an important base for US air operations in the region. American forces operate a number of military aircraft from the facility, making it strategically significant for regional surveillance, air operations and other military missions. Jordan’s close defence relationship with the United States has also made American military facilities in the country vulnerable to attacks during the ongoing confrontation with Iran.
During the Iranian attack, US forces in Jordan reportedly launched more than 30 Patriot interceptor missiles to defend against the incoming strikes. Jordan has also been involved in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting its territory, as the wider conflict continues to place pressure on the country’s air-defence network.
The attack followed a major escalation in the conflict between Iran and the United States. Earlier this week, US forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after an Iranian attack involving a US Navy warship. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against American military positions and other targets in the region, including the US military presence in Jordan.
The reported damage to US aircraft highlights the continuing threat faced by American forces operating from bases across the Middle East. Even with layered air-defence systems such as Patriot missile batteries, military aircraft and infrastructure at forward operating locations remain exposed to missile attacks.
The latest incident also comes amid increasing regional instability involving attacks on military facilities, shipping routes and energy infrastructure. Iran has threatened further action around the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, while attacks involving the United States and Iran have already disrupted maritime traffic and contributed to rising concerns over global energy security.
For the United States, protecting aircraft and personnel deployed at forward bases will remain a major operational challenge as the conflict continues. The reported damage at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base demonstrates the ability of Iranian strikes to reach strategically important US military facilities and potentially disrupt American air operations in the region.
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