For years, Iran’s rulers have believed they could wage war against the United States without paying the full price. They armed proxies, launched drones, threatened American allies, and expanded their missile arsenal while betting that Washington would answer with limited, carefully calibrated retaliation.

If the reported deaths of two U.S. service members in Jordan mark yet another direct Iranian attack, that assumption must finally end. U.S. Central Command has confirmed the deaths amid an escalating exchange between Washington and Tehran.