Jordan is emerging as a new focal point in the U.S.-Iran war after four Iranian attacks in five days killed two U.S. service members and wounded dozens of others, The New York Times reported.

The United States on Saturday announced its first troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war. Two service members were killed and another was reported missing after an attack on a base in Jordan, following days of intensifying exchanges.

Friday’s drone and missile attack also sent four service members to hospitals, the military said. The dead were not immediately identified. Since the war began, 16 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 430 wounded.

The attacks mark a significant escalation in Iran's campaign against U.S. forces in the region, bringing the conflict more directly into Jordan, one of Washington's closest Middle East allies.

Jordan hosts several major U.S. air bases, and its importance to American military operations has grown as other regional allies have limited U.S. access to their territory and airspace, according to U.S. officials who spoke with the Times.

The Pentagon has not publicly detailed Iran’s attacks on sites in Jordan. However, U.S. officials told the Times that the strikes demonstrate Tehran still has significant weapons stockpiles and has become increasingly adept at evading U.S. air defenses.

The attacks are expected to heighten concerns about the safety of U.S. forces stationed across the Middle East and could increase pressure on Washington to strengthen defenses at regional bases or respond with additional military action.