What we know about the U.S. service members killed in the Iran war
U.S. Service Members Killed in Drone Strike
The U.S. Army Reserve Command announced Tuesday that four of the six American service members who died in the Iran conflict were victims of a drone attack on a Kuwaiti port on Sunday. The remaining two casualties and the circumstances surrounding their deaths have not yet been revealed. All four fatalities were linked to the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, according to the command’s statement.
Iranian Retaliation and Casualties
Iran’s response to the initial strikes included launching missiles and drones toward targets in adjacent nations. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while the Red Crescent reported nearly 800 casualties from the combined U.S. and Israeli assaults. Additional deaths were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with Israel suffering 11 fatalities.
“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” stated Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of the Army Reserve.
Military Operation Details
The conflict began Saturday at approximately 1:15 a.m. ET, with U.S. and Israeli forces employing precision munitions and one-way drones in attacks on Iran. The U.S. military claims the operation was prompted by an imminent threat and the collapse of ongoing nuclear negotiations. President Donald Trump noted on Monday that the campaign could last “four to five weeks,” though the capability for extended engagement remains in place.
Political Response and War Powers Debate
Some members of Congress have raised concerns about the justification for the strikes and Trump’s authority to act without congressional consent. Democrats and certain Republicans plan to introduce a war powers resolution, aiming to constrain further U.S. military actions in Iran.
Contributors to this report include NBC News’ producer and off-air reporter covering global defense stories, Gordon Lubold as the national security reporter, and Courtney Kube, a correspondent focused on military and national security issues. Phil Helsel is also credited as a reporter for NBC News.