During the ongoing conflict with Iran, a US military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, raising fears that several service members were killed.

The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury, the United States’ military campaign in the region. The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which refuels other military planes during operations, was involved in the incident, according to US Central Command.

Officials said the plane crashed after an incident involving two aircraft flying in friendly airspace, and there were no reports of hostile fire involved.

The tanker came down in western Iraq, though authorities have not yet confirmed the status of the crew on board. The crash comes amid intensifying tensions across the Middle East following continued strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to continue military action against Iran, describing the country as an “evil empire” and insisting that Washington will prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. In a statement posted on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States remained committed to stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and destabilising the region.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced that it had recently struck the Taleghan compound, which Israel claims was being used to develop critical capabilities related to nuclear weapons. The conflict has also driven global energy market volatility, with oil prices again approaching $100 per barrel amid renewed attacks on cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined conditions for ending the conflict, saying hostilities could stop if Iran’s “legitimate rights” were recognised, reparations were paid, and guarantees were provided against future attacks. However, he noted that ultimate authority rests with Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.