The United States military confirmed on Monday that six American service members have now been killed in ongoing operations against Iran. This follows a series of escalating fatalities, with the latest reported just hours after the deaths of three U.S. service members on Sunday and the confirmation of a fourth death earlier on Monday.
The U.S. Central Command, in an updated statement, confirmed that six service members “have been killed in action” as of 4 p.m. ET on Monday. The command also announced that the bodies of two previously unaccounted-for service members, who had been stationed at a facility struck in the initial Iranian attacks, had been recovered.
“Major combat operations continue,” the Central Command added, noting that the identities of the fallen service members would be withheld for 24 hours until their families are notified.
This announcement follows the deaths of three U.S. soldiers on Sunday, which were the first fatalities since the military action against Iran began on Saturday as part of Operation Epic Fury. The operation is a joint mission between the U.S. and Israel aimed at countering Iranian military forces.
According to U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the service members were killed in a strike on a base in Kuwait. Additionally, several other personnel sustained minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions, and are expected to return to duty shortly.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the U.S. State Department issued a heightened warning for American citizens living in the Middle East, advising them to leave 14 countries, including Qatar and the UAE, amid growing tensions.
When announcing Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, President Donald Trump remarked that the U.S. military was taking every precaution to minimize risks to personnel, but acknowledged that casualties were inevitable in a large-scale military operation. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost,” Trump said, “but we’re doing this not for now, but for the future.”
On Sunday, Trump praised the fallen service members, calling them “true American patriots” and vowing to avenge their deaths. “America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against civilization,” he declared.
The situation continues to escalate. On Monday, the U.S. military reported a tragic “friendly fire” incident, in which three U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait. Fortunately, all six crew members ejected safely.
Meanwhile, the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to intensify. U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out widespread airstrikes across Iran, including hitting a compound linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in the strike. In response, Iran has launched missiles targeting both U.S. and Israeli military facilities across the region, including in Bahrain and the UAE.
The Iranian Red Crescent has reported over 500 deaths in Iran, while Israel has confirmed the deaths of 11 people in Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 31 deaths from Israeli bombing raids.
During a Monday press conference, U.S. officials stated that the objective of Operation Epic Fury is to “destroy Iranian offensive missiles, dismantle Iran’s missile production, cripple their navy, and eliminate their nuclear weapons ambitions.” They assured that the strikes would continue with overwhelming force.
President Trump, in a recent interview, suggested that the strikes could continue for up to five weeks, as the U.S. and Israel focus on strategic military objectives. Meanwhile, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows divided opinions among Americans on the operation. Approximately one-third of respondents approved of the military strikes, while 43% disapproved, and the rest were unsure.