Todd Starnes
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4 US Service Members Killed, Multiple Jets Shot Down
U.S. CENTCOM says at least four U.S. service members have been killed during Operation Epic Fury.
Also, three American jets were shot down over Kuwait during “an apparent friendly fire incident” while they were taking part in the campaign against Iran, the U.S. military’s Central Command said in a statement on Monday.
“During active combat — that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” the statement said.
All six crew members “ejected safely, have been safely recovered and are in stable condition,” Central Command added, extending its gratitude to Kuwait for participating in the operation against Iran.
Also on Monday, a drone attack struck the American embassy compound in Kuwait, according to two U.S. officials who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The source of the drone was not immediately clear.
In video from the scene in Kuwait verified by The New York Times, smoke is seen in an area surrounding the U.S. embassy complex. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Trump: U.S. Sank 9 Iranian Naval Ships
President Trump: “I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”
3 US Service Members Killed, 5 Seriously Injured
U.S. CENTCOM announced that at least three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” CENTCOM said.
Sky News Anchor Tells Ayatollah to “Burn in Hell”
Rioters Storm U.S. Consulate in Pakistan
Violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the Pakistani port city of Karachi left at least nine people killed and more than 50 others wounded on Sunday, after hundreds of demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate, authorities said.
WASHINGTON — Iranian citizens reportedly erupted in celebration Saturday after the United States and Israel launched sweeping military strikes against Iran’s regime, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure in a dramatic escalation that President Donald Trump described as a mission to bring “freedom” to the Iranian people.
The joint offensive — described by Israeli officials as a coordinated operation against Iran’s leadership and weapons programs — triggered explosions across Tehran and other major cities, while Iranian protesters seized what the Trump administration called a historic opportunity to challenge the ruling regime.
The strikes followed months of unrest inside Iran, where widespread protests and a violent government crackdown left thousands dead, fueling anger toward the country’s leadership.
Trump administration officials, cited in reporting from The New York Times and echoed in Fox News coverage, framed the operation as a direct effort to dismantle threats posed by Tehran while empowering Iranian citizens.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats,” President Donald Trump said.
He also issued a stark warning to Iran’s military forces, saying they should “lay down your arms” or face “certain death.”
In a direct appeal to the Iranian public, Trump urged citizens to seize the moment. “When we are finished, take over your government,” he declared.
Vice President JD Vance also emphasized the administration’s goal, assuring Americans the conflict would not become a prolonged war.
Ayatollah is Dead
Iran’s militant and unyielding supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the Islamic Republic for more than three decades and oversaw an era of harsh internal repression and confrontation with the United States and Israel, has died following the Israeli strike in Tehran, as his compound was reduced to rubble, a senior Israeli official told Fox News Digital.
President Trump released the following statement:
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!” Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Trump Issues Statement on Airstrikes
Key moments in the U.S.–Israel airstrikes
- Pre-dawn assault begins: U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated missile and air attacks targeting military and nuclear facilities across Iran.
- Explosions rock Tehran: Multiple blasts were reported near government facilities and key infrastructure in the capital.
- Leadership targeted: Israeli strikes reportedly aimed at senior Iranian commanders and regime figures.
- Nationwide impact: Airstrikes hit multiple cities as Iran’s leadership moved to secure locations amid the offensive.
- Regime change rhetoric: Trump declared the campaign would be “massive and ongoing” unless Tehran capitulates.
Jubilation among Iranian citizens
Reports indicated many Iranians welcomed the strikes, particularly younger citizens and longtime opponents of the Islamic regime, who viewed the attacks as a chance for political change after years of repression and economic hardship.
The administration openly encouraged Iranian protesters to act, signaling unprecedented U.S. backing for a potential uprising against the government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likewise urged Iranian citizens to reject the ruling leadership, blaming the regime for decades of domestic oppression and regional instability.
Escalating conflict
Iran has vowed retaliation and launched counterstrikes against U.S. and allied targets, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Several Iranian drone strikes hit Dubai – striking targets including the Palm Hotel.
Still, Trump maintained the campaign represents a historic turning point, describing it as a necessary response to decades of Iranian hostility and a defining moment for the Middle East.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Trump administration has positioned the operation as both a military campaign and a message of support to the Iranian people — one officials say could reshape the nation’s future.