Smoke rose from the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on Monday, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes across the region following the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait urged individuals to stay away from the compound and advised citizens to remain vigilant for potential attacks.
The escalation follows “Operation Epic Fury,” which saw the deaths of three U.S. Service members and injuries to five others, according to U.S. Central Command. The casualties occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait, a key logistical hub for U.S. Forces in the region. Several others sustained minor injuries and are being returned to duty, CENTCOM stated. The military has delayed releasing the identities of the fallen service members to allow for family notification.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the casualties, stating, “we expect casualties with something like this,” but maintained that the operation would ultimately be “a great deal for the world.” He described the deceased service members as “great people” with “outstanding records.”
The operation, launched early Saturday, included a strike on Khamenei’s compound in Tehran, resulting in his death, as well as the deaths of several other Iranian officials and commanders, including an advisor to Khamenei, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Iran’s military responded with strikes targeting Israel and U.S.-allied nations in the Middle East, including attacks on bases housing American troops in Kuwait, as confirmed by military officials.
On Monday, reports emerged of an American F-15 fighter jet crashing in Kuwait. Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft on fire before impact, with both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejecting safely, reportedly receiving assistance from local citizens. The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, with some reports suggesting a possible case of friendly fire.
Iran has also reportedly attacked three U.S. And British oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, with the Revolutionary Guard claiming responsibility. These reports remain unconfirmed by U.S. Or British authorities.
The conflict has expanded beyond direct attacks between Iran, Israel and the U.S. Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militia, launched rockets and drones at Israel, claiming the attack as retaliation for Khamenei’s death. Israel responded with strikes on Hezbollah targets throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces stated that Hezbollah has “opened a campaign against Israel and is fully responsible for any escalation.”
The Pentagon has announced a press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine to address the joint U.S.-Israeli operation. Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also brief members of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday regarding the ongoing military effort.
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on regional states and calling for an immediate cessation of military strikes. The U.S. State Department has significantly raised travel and security advisories for the entire region, warning of increased threats to U.S. Citizens.
As of Monday afternoon, the situation remains fluid, with blasts reported in several Gulf cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Kuwait City. One fatality has been reported in Bahrain as a result of the Iranian strikes. The U.S. Military has confirmed the destruction of the headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, stating it had “taken out the head of the snake.”
