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The Trump administration is increasing military pressure against Iran after two American service members were killed during a recent attack in Jordan.The U.S. Central Command, known as CENTCOM, shared in a July 18 post on X that American forces were conducting strikes "at the Commander in Chief's direction." According to the post, the strategy is supposed to destabilize Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for international oil supply.The war with Iran, which began Feb. 28, is nearing its fifth month. The U.S. and Iran signed a preliminary agreement in June that aimed to halt fighting and provide a path for a longer-term peace deal. But that agreement has collapsed and President Donald Trump has said he considers the ceasefire "over."Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said Washington would pay for "seeking to escalate the conflict," according to Reuters. The strikes on July 18 marked the eighth consecutive day of U.S. attacks on Iran.Two US service members killed in Jordan, another missingCENTCOM said two U.S. service members were killed July 17 while another remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks struck U.S. and partner forces in Jordan.Four additional American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been discharged, while other personnel treated for minor injuries have returned to duty.With the two most recent deaths, the total number of U.S. service members killed in the war is now 16.Over 50,000 uniformed U.S. service members are serving across the Middle East.Iran's Health Ministry said on July 18 that 50 people had been killed and more than 500 wounded in U.S. strikes on the country over the past three weeks alone, Reuters reported.Rubio meets with Lebanon president who will soon visit White HouseSecretary of State Marco Rubio met with Joseph Aoun, the president of Lebanon, on July 19 to discuss a framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26.The agreement seeks to end the outstanding conflict between the two countries. Aoun will also meet with Trump at the White House on July 21.GOP congressman: US back to 'Plan A'Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said on "Fox News Sunday" that the U.S. is moving back to "Plan A" in the conflict."Now we’re going to move forward with Plan A again," McCaul said. "The military is going to move in, take out their launch pads, take out the ability to send Shahed drones to hit tankers (and) the missiles."McCaul said the U.S. should reopen the Strait of Hormuz and take away targets inside Iran that threaten commercial shipping."We've got to knock out these targets inside of Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz," McCaul said. "That has to be the fundamental objective." McCaul also said "the military was winning this war against Iran."Worldwide caution issued for Americans abroadHeightened tensions in the Middle East and “the potential for unforeseen escalation” have prompted the State Department to issue a worldwide caution for all Americans abroad.The July 18 alert advises Americans to exercise increased caution, noting that U.S. diplomatic facilities beyond the Middle East have been targeted and “groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.”Travelers are advised to monitor the news for the latest developments, sign up of the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety alerts, and be aware that travel may be disrupted.The State Department issued a similar global alert in March.Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY; Reuters
