US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that America “didn’t start this war” as he revealed Iran’s plans to build a “missile shield” to protect its nuclear ambitions, while a fourth US soldier was confirmed dead and three American F-15 fighter jets were shot down in a friendly fire incident in Kuwait.
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“We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it,” Hegseth told a press conference at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday.
He warned that “war is hell and it always will be” as the fourth US soldier was confirmed dead following Iranian strikes on a base in Kuwait.
Hegseth explained that “Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions.”
He outlined the war goal of the mission in Iran, which did not include regime change: “This operation is a clear, devastating decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat. Destroy the Navy. No nukes.”
He vowed that the US would crush the Islamic regime. “We will finish this,” he said.
“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on Earth we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation. And we will kill you,” Hegseth warned.
“Know this above all, President Trump and I have your back always through fire, through criticism, through fake news, through everything we unleash you because you are the best, most powerful, most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen,” Hegseth concluded.
Following the Secretary’s remarks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine said, “On Friday, February 27 the United States Central Command, through the Secretary of War, received the final go order from President Trump. The President directed and I quote, ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.'”
The Pentagon said Monday morning that the death toll among American service members has risen to four. Just a day earlier, the administration confirmed that three US troops had been killed in fighting with Iranian forces.
“The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries,” US Central Command announced on X.
When asked how the US troops were killed by Iranian forces, Hegseth revealed it occurred at a “tactical center” from an Iranian aerial attack.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.”
Hegseth noted at the press conference that hundreds of ballistic missiles were fired toward troops in the region and intercepted by US forces.
The rising death toll comes after Trump told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview over the phone on Sunday that fighting with Iran could go on for the next four weeks.
“It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It’s always been about a four-week process so — as strong as it is, it’s a big country, it’ll take four weeks — or less,” Trump said.
The US has confirmed that three of their F-15 fighter jets were shot down by Kuwait in a friendly fire blunder — as video shows the $90 million planes tailspinning in smoke to the ground.
US Central Command said that three of its F-15 jets, which were “flying in support of Operation Epic Fury,” “went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.”
It said all six crew ejected safely and have been recovered, evacuated and transferred to hospitals for health checks.
Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said crews are safe after the crashes this morning, which saw at least two pilots eject from their planes near a US military base in Kuwait.
A spokesperson for Kuwait’s defence ministry said: “Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived. Authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Their condition is stable.”
The crash happened within 6.2 miles of the US Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait.
The latest variant of the F-15 fighter jet, the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, costs around $90 million-$97 million per aircraft, with prices increasing when advanced weapons and machinery is added.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said it was coordinating with the US regarding the “circumstances of the incident” and is continuing investigations into the “causes of the incident.”
Fire and smoke have been seen rising from inside the US Embassy compound in Kuwait after an Iranian attack on the small Middle Eastern nation on Monday.
Reports of smoke inside the building and an alarm going off followed a warning earlier from the United States to American citizens, telling them to take cover and remain indoors.
“Do not come to the Embassy,” the warning said without elaborating.
The US embassy in Bahrain also issued a chilling warning this morning that “terrorist groups” are planning to attack US citizens in the Gulf state, advising that Americans in Bahrain should avoid hotels as they might be a target.
European gas prices have soared as much as 45 per cent after Iranian drone attacks disrupted production in Qatar — one of the world’s biggest exporters.
Qatar’s state-run energy firm said it ceased its liquefied natural gas production following two attacks in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed as the country cuts its ties with Iran.
Saudi Arabia dramatically halted operations at one of the world’s biggest oil refineries after another Iranian drone strike.
The Saudi defence ministry has confirmed two missiles were intercepted and destroyed at its huge Ras Tanura plant which produces around 550,000 barrels per day and is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s energy sector.
One Middle East expert said the attack marked a “significant escalation” by Iran and meant Saudi Arabia would be drawn closer into joining the US and Israel in military operations against Tehran.
The RAF has shot down two attack drones from Iran heading for its base on Cyprus this afternoon.
Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer initially blocked the US from using British military bases to target Iran.
Iran has rejected an ultimatum by Donald Trump to lay down its weapons after two days of fighting and launched new attacks on Israel and across the Middle East.
The conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt air travel, hit US-friendly Gulf states and stop the safe flow of oil.
The UK is drawing up rescue plans for up to 300,000 Britons trapped in countries targeted by Iran.
Countries looking to evacuate their citizens face major challenges, as thousands of British tourists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are currently stuck.
Explosions continue to be heard over Dubai, Doha and Cyprus, and so far 100,000 Brits have signed up to be evacuated from the Middle East.
US military insiders have warned America’s stockpile of missiles and interceptors could run dry if his war in Iran is prolonged.
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