The United States Central Command confirmed that Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighter jets during operations tied to the widening conflict with Iran, marking a dramatic “friendly fire” incident amid intensifying regional hostilities.

All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition, officials said. Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence acknowledged multiple US aircraft crashes but reported no fatalities. Investigations are underway.

The incident unfolded as Iran launched fresh missile and drone barrages targeting Israel and US-linked sites across the Gulf, retaliating for joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian assets. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and parts of the occupied West Bank, while emergency services cited casualties and significant property damage.

Air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In Iraq’s Kurdish region, defenses intercepted projectiles aimed at Erbil International Airport. Falling debris near Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery injured two workers.

Tehran rejected any prospect of negotiations with Washington, vowing continued self-defense. Meanwhile, Israel extended its nationwide state of emergency through March 12 as fresh strikes hit Tehran overnight.