An American A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jet, valued at approximately $20 million, lost a wing during an Iranian bombardment of U.S. aircraft stationed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The attack occurred Wednesday night, hours after former President Donald Trump warned Iran against activities at its suspected nuclear site, Pickaxe Mountain.
Roughly nine American aircraft were impacted in the barrage, according to CBS News. In addition to the A-10, eight F-15s, each worth upwards of $90 million, sustained minor damage and have since returned to operational status. U.S. forces deployed more than 30 Patriot missiles to counter the offensive. No service members were reported killed or injured.
The strikes on the Jordanian airbase followed Trump's public remarks at the midterm Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, where he advised Iran "not to get cute" regarding its nuclear facility. U.S. military officials have previously voiced concerns about diminishing stockpiles of Patriot missiles and other precision munitions necessary for operations against Iranian forces.
Pickaxe Mountain is identified as a key site for Iran's nuclear program, with satellite imagery indicating recent construction activity at a nearby building. A spokesperson for the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that the site appears to be transitioning from excavation to internal construction and external reinforcement. Trump has previously threatened strikes on the facility's underground bunker if Iran pursued its nuclear ambitions.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated in recent weeks, marked by exchanges of fire over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. The U.S. has conducted strikes targeting Iranian military assets, including radar systems, in an effort to deter harassment of U.S.-backed oil tankers. Brent crude prices surged to their highest level since May amid concerns over potential disruptions to Middle East oil supplies.
An agreement for a temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, established in June, collapsed weeks later when Washington resumed strikes, citing Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Negotiations remain stalled, with the U.S. demanding Iran cease its nuclear program and surrender its enriched uranium stockpile. Iran, conversely, seeks joint control over the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for damages from U.S. strikes.
Advisors to former President Trump have cautioned that a prolonged conflict with Iran could extend throughout his potential presidency. Reports suggest that Iranian resistance to U.S. pressure and military actions could continue until January 2029.