Three US fighter jets shot down over Kuwait

Three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait on March 1, 2026, due to apparent friendly fire from Kuwaiti defence forces. According to US Central Command, all six servicemen ejected safely and are being tended to with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the US government, the jets were shot down during active combat that involved Iranian aircraft, missiles, and drones. Kuwaiti Col. Said Al-Atwan claimed that Kuwait was in direct coordination with US authorities.

Friendly fire?

According to American reports, all three jets were shot down by allied Kuwait defences, mistaking the American jets for threats. Multiple videos have been released and confirmed by media outlets to be valid. The video shows multiple US aircraft spiralling to the ground, and pilots parachuting to safety. One video was geolocated less than ten kilometres away from the US Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait. A second video was geolocated to 30 kilometres from the Ali Al Salem base. Kuwait has been on edge since Iran began attacks on US installations in the country. Kuwait has remained a relatively stable energy hub over the last ten years, and constant attacks from Iran on American bases are threatening the country's economy.

US embassy attacked

An explosion was reported near the US embassy in Kuwait, with photos and videos showing smoke surrounding the area. Since the US and Israel's attacks on February 28, Iran has struck nine different countries and 27 military installations in response. Iran has been staying away from civilian targets, instead focusing on US and Israeli bases and installations across the Gulf countries. Iran did attack Kuwait International Airport, with the strikes severely damaging Kuwait International. Multiple airport personnel were injured in the blast, and the airport's main terminal was severely damaged, with footage showing blown-out windows and a semi-collapsed ceiling. The government of Kuwait announced the airport would be closed for the foreseeable future, and that emergency measures are being implemented return operations to normal.

US and Israel attack Iran

On February 28, 2026, the US government and Israel undertook a joint operation in Iran, with the US subsequently declaring it was at war with the country. The attacks triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran, targeting US and Israeli military bases across the Middle East. According to Donald Trump, there is no timeline for this war, and the US will continue its operations in the country until it sees a significant regime change, as well as an end to Iran's supposed nuclear program.

US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on Day One of the war. Khamenei has been using deadly violence against civilian protesters in Tehran, and his killing has been the only positive piece of Donald Trump's illegal intervention. Much like Maduro in Venezuela, Ali Khamenei was a vicious and unpopular leader, with the majority of the country wanting him ousted. That being said, being unpopular does not justify illegal international overreach.

According to Trump, his war on Iran has no timeline, and the US will continue to strike the nation until it sees regime change, the end of Iran's nuclear program, and is certain that Iran will no longer pose an ‘immediate threat'. Iran has been in turmoil for the better part of a year, with civilians protesting against the country's administration, and the administration responding with violence against civilians.

More than a thousand targets struck

US Central Command announced that by March 1, more than 1,000 targets had been struck by American and Israeli forces. According to US officials, the military is focusing on military targets like command and control centers, Iranian Navy ships and submarines, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters. Reports from Iran have differed, though. At least 180 of the 600 dead in Iran are children. On March 1, Israel struck and destroyed an all-girls' school in Minab, killing nearly 200 children and injuring dozens more. Israel is also striking the Lebanese capital of Beirut, where the Iranian-funded group Hezbollah operates.

More than 50 people in Lebanon have been killed since February 28.