U.S. and Israel launch new airstrikes against Iran
WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - In the escalating fallout from the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, the Iranians are retaliating, hitting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region, and military officials confirm there have been American fatalities.
Congress returns Tuesday, with many lawmakers calling for a vote to force President Donald Trump to get Congress' approval before any further military action.
The Pentagon confirmed Monday three U.S. Air Force fighter jets crashed in Kuwait, mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti Air Defenses during active combat under Iranian attacks. All six American crew members ejected and were recovered safely.
It comes amid growing violence in the Middle East, with Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon exchanging fire following this weekend's U.S. Israeli strikes on Iran.
President Trump is back in Washington, and lawmakers are returning Tuesday for the classified briefings many are pressing for.
"Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved," Trump shared.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the Saturday strikes, and now two sources briefed on the matter tell NBC News the attacks were timed based on intelligence khamenei would be at a meeting with senior leaders.
As Iran strikes back, three American service members are confirmed killed in action. U.S. officials tell NBC News they were part of an Army unit based in Kuwait. Five others were seriously wounded.
Trump mourned the losses while warning, "Sadly, there will likely be more."
The president told NBC News in a phone interview he decided to act because Iran was unwilling to say they would not have a nuclear weapon following weeks of negotiations.
Reaction from Capitol Hill largely split on party lines.
"I think the President has started a war of choice. There was no imminent threat to the United States," said Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA).
"The largest state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, is close to collapsing," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Across the country, Iranian-Americans are hoping for freedom while protesters fear a spreading a conflict.
Lawmakers are expected to vote this week on a War Powers Resolution, requiring Trump to get approval from Congress before taking further military action.
Democrats expect some Republicans to join them, acknowledging it would be a close vote, that they say would send an enormous message.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press briefing on Operation Epic Fury Monday. To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.
