Rubio confirms US soldier killed in Iraq

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that a US soldier was killed in Iraq during operations against an Iranian unmanned aircraft. Speaking to CNN, Rubio described the death as a mishap that occurred during operations against an Iranian drone. He also claimed that despite the interception of most incoming missiles, one Iranian projectile evaded Jordan's air defence systems on Friday.

The remarks mark a shift in tone from a US official who had previously sought to play down Iran's military capabilities. The US Central Command had earlier acknowledged that two American soldiers were killed and one was reported missing following Iranian strikes on the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan.

According to Mehr News, Rubio's comments came amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. The incident underscores ongoing military engagements in the region involving US forces and Iranian-backed groups.