The War Department has identified two of the U.S. Army soldiers killed during an Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, as President Trump delivered a forceful warning that every American death will be met with overwhelming retaliation.
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, were killed during the enemy attack last week while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. A third fallen service member has not yet been publicly identified, while U.S. Central Command also confirmed another American was killed Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance in northern Iraq.
The attack marked the first U.S. combat deaths since hostilities with Iran resumed after Tehran allegedly violated President Trump’s peace agreement. The latest casualties bring the total number of American service members killed since the conflict began to 17, with more than 420 wounded.
President Trump responded Monday with an unmistakable message directed at the Iranian regime.
“Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This directive has been passed on to Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Daniel Caine, and every Leader in the Military.”
Feehan served with the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Military leaders praised his dedication and leadership following news of his death.
“U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command mourns the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Lt. Gen. John L. Rafferty said. “Losing him to enemy fire will inspire our soldiers and strengthen their resolve to continue the mission.”
Feehan will be posthumously promoted to captain and awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge. He had previously earned the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge during his military career.
Brig. Gen. John Dawber also honored the fallen officer, saying, “1st Lt. Feehan’s unwavering dedication to our mission, our values, and the air defenders he led will leave an enduring legacy. We stand fully committed to supporting his family and loved ones through this incredibly difficult time, and we will never forget his ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.”
Pvt. Isabella Gonzales was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Ansbach, Germany. At just 19 years old, her death serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by America’s youngest service members while defending the nation overseas.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth also paid tribute to the fallen troops.
“Godspeed, heroes,” Hegseth wrote on X. “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
The latest escalation comes after an interim ceasefire agreement reportedly collapsed, reigniting open conflict between the United States and Iran. According to reports, President Trump has authorized nine consecutive days of strikes targeting Iranian coastal military facilities and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps positions after Tehran resumed attacks on shipping and U.S. forces.
While Operation Inherent Resolve remains focused on preventing the resurgence of ISIS, attention has rapidly shifted toward confronting Iran following the deadly attacks on American troops. Speaking to reporters Sunday night at Joint Base Andrews, President Trump said the United States had already responded militarily.
“We hit them very hard again tonight, and we did that in honor of the probably three, it’s probably three as opposed to two great patriots,” Trump said. “We feel very badly, but you know, those great people, those great patriots were out there fighting that Iran could not have a nuclear weapon.”
For the White House, the message is straightforward. American service members were killed, and the administration is making it clear that it intends to answer those attacks with decisive military action.
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