The US military losses are beginning to build in the war against Iran. President Donald Trump acknowledged that more US troops will die in the fighting.
On Monday, Central Command reported that a US soldier who was injured in the initial Iranian retaliation had died. “As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four US service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries,” the CENTCOM statement explained. “Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”
CENTCOM Update
TAMPA, Fla. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries.
Major combat operations continue and our…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Discussing US troop casualties on Sunday, the President said, “Sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that’s the way it is. America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists.”
Iran was not threatening to attack the US and lacked the capability to build a nuclear weapon when President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a joint attack on Iran that assassinated the Supreme Leader.
Iran has retaliated with strikes on US bases in the Middle East and Israel. Additionally, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, and IDF warplanes pummeled Lebanese cities.
With war flaring across the region, three US F-15s were downed above Kuwait. CENTCOM reports the pilots survived and the planes were downed by the Kuwaiti military in a friendly fire incident.
“At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.” The CENTCOM statement continues. “During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”
The statement suggests that Kuwait at least expected Iranian fighter jets to enter its airspace.
