Pentagon confirms U.S. fighter jets shot down in Kuwait amid Iran strikes
All six American crew members ejected and were recovered safely.
(NBC)- The Pentagon confirms three U.S. Air Force fighter jets crashed in Kuwait after being mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat under Iranian attacks.
All six American crew members ejected and were recovered safely.
The incident comes amid escalating violence in the Middle East, with Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon exchanging fire following weekend U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the developments.
“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it,” Hegseth said.
Lawmakers are set to return to Washington for classified briefings many have demanded as combat operations continue.
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force,” President Trump said.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Saturday’s strikes. Two sources briefed on the matter told NBC News the attacks were timed based on intelligence that Khamenei would be attending a meeting with senior leaders.
As Iran strikes back, four American service members have been confirmed killed in action. U.S. officials told NBC News they were part of an Army unit based in Kuwait. Four others were seriously wounded.
President Trump mourned the losses while warning additional casualties could follow.
“Sadly, there will likely be more,” Trump said.
The president told NBC News in a phone interview he decided to act because Iran was unwilling to say it would not pursue a nuclear weapon following weeks of negotiations.
Reaction on Capitol Hill remains largely split along party lines.
“I think the President has started a war of choice,” said Senator Mark Warner of Virginia.
“The mothership of terrorism is sinking,” said Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
Across the country, Iranian-Americans are expressing hope for freedom, while protesters warn of a widening conflict.
