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Iran conflict escalates: 4 U.S. service members killed as death toll climbs

A hand points at a computer screen displaying a Flightradar24 map with commercial flights rerouted around Iran and Iraq. — A Flightradar24 map shows civilian aircraft avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace on March 1, after regional governments closed their skies amid escalating U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. Photo: Anna Kurth/AFP via Getty Images

Four U.S. service members have been killed in action following the massive U.S.-Israel military operation launched in Iran Saturday that sparked swift retaliation.

The big picture: President Trump has warned more will likely die before the operation ends.

State of play: U.S. Central Command confirmed that as of Monday morning the death toll had climbed to four after a service member seriously wounded during Iran's strikes succumbed to their injuries.

The deaths of three other U.S. service members were confirmed Sunday.

Zoom out: Three U.S. fighter jets supporting Operation Epic Fury were also mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses Sunday night, U.S. Central Command said in a Monday statement. All six aircrew ejected safely and are in stable condition.

The incident shows how chaotic the air war with Iran has become as allies defend against Iranian attacks while American jets fly through the same airspace.

Context: Kuwait, which has acknowledged the incident, is one of several Gulf states that have come under Iranian retaliation since the U.S.–Israel strikes began Saturday, with missiles and drones hitting near Kuwait's international airport and U.S. facilities.

Go deeper: Exclusive: Trump floats "off ramps" after attacking Iran

Editor's note: This story was updated with new developments.

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Iran conflict escalates: 4 U.S. service members killed as death toll climbs

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