By Our Reporter
Three US F-15 fighter jets involved in ongoing air operations against Iran were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in what American officials described as a friendly fire incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed early Monday.
All six crew members aboard the aircraft were ejected safely and are in stable condition. Kuwait acknowledged the incident and is coordinating with US forces as investigations continue.
The incident came amid an escalating regional conflict following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran under an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” US and Israeli officials have indicated the military campaign could last weeks.
In a related development, at least one crew member was reported killed after an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman was struck by what Omani authorities described as an Iranian drone attack. The vessel was sailing near Muscat when it was hit. Iran has recently issued threats toward ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Explosions were also reported in Tehran for a third consecutive day as US and Israeli forces continued airstrikes. The Iranian Red Crescent Society claimed that at least 555 people had been killed in the strikes, though the figure has not been independently verified.
Tensions further widened late Sunday when Israel confirmed it had begun striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after rockets were launched toward northern Israel. Hezbollah said the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli military said it intercepted some of the rockets and reported no injuries.
Iranian officials have vowed not to negotiate with the United States following the strikes, describing the campaign as aggression. Meanwhile, US defense leaders are expected to brief the media and Congress on the scope and objectives of Operation Epic Fury.
The situation remains fluid as military operations and diplomatic tensions continue to unfold across the region.