WASHINGTON — A U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft has crashed in Iraq while participating in military operations against Iran, with rescue teams working to recover personnel, according to U.S. Central Command officials Thursday.
The downed KC-135 tanker was conducting missions as part of ongoing operations targeting Iran when it crashed in Iraq’s western region, military officials confirmed. Central Command emphasized the aircraft was not brought down by enemy attacks or accidental friendly fire.
Two KC-135 refueling planes were operating together when the incident occurred, according to military leadership overseeing Middle East operations. While one aircraft returned to base without incident, the second was declared “a loss” after going down in western Iraq.
An anonymous military source confirmed both aircraft involved in the incident were KC-135 tankers, though details about crew status remain limited.
“More information will be made available as the situation develops,” Central Command officials stated. “We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.”
Military leadership has not yet disclosed whether any personnel were injured or killed in the crash. Both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have previously acknowledged that American casualties are expected to continue as the Iran conflict progresses.
This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. military aircraft lost during Iran operations. Just last week, military officials revealed that three American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti forces in a friendly fire incident.
The six aircrew members from those F-15E aircraft successfully ejected and were recovered in stable condition, according to military reports.
Combat operations against Iran have resulted in seven American military deaths to date. Six service members died when an Iranian drone attack hit an operations facility at a Kuwaiti civilian port, while another soldier was fatally wounded during an assault on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Pentagon officials reported earlier this week that approximately 140 U.S. military personnel have sustained injuries during the Iran conflict, with eight suffering severe wounds.
