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An American military refueling plane taking part in the operation against Iran crashed in Iraq and rescue efforts were underway, U.S. Central Command said Thursday.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. A U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the developing situation, said the KC-135 aircraft that crashed had at least five crew members aboard.

The crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said in a statement, which described the plane as “a loss.”

All six crew members safely ejected from the F-15E Strike Eagles and were in stable condition after being recovered, the U.S. said.

Seven American troops have been killed in combat during the Iran war so far, while about 140 U.S. service members have been injured, including eight severely, the Pentagon said earlier this week.

Both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned that the Iran war would likely claim more American lives before it ends.

Six of the fallen service members were killed when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait. They were in the Army Reserve and worked in logistics, keeping troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died one day after the U.S. and Israel launched the military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28. The Islamic Republic has retaliated with missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

The seventh American service member died after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.

Trump joined grieving families for a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base when the remains of the first six soldiers were returned to the United States. Vice President JD Vance, Hegseth and others saluted the seventh flag-draped transfer case as it arrived this week at Dover.

The KC-135 tanker involved in the latest crash is based on the same design as the Boeing 707 airliner and entered military service more than 60 years ago. Like other long-serving aircraft, the planes have undergone various retrofits and upgrades over the years.

 

The KC-135 tankers typically have a crew of three. It’s not immediately clear what role the extra crew members were serving aboard the flight.

According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force last year had a total of 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

A 20-year-old American Army has lost his life in the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war.

He has been remembered as a devoted son and dedicated soldier after he was killed in an Iranian strike in Kuwait, just hours after reassuring his family that he was safe.

Declan Coady, from West Des Moines, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 1, during a drone attack at Shuaiba Port in Kuwait. He had been serving with the 103rd Sustainment Command, a Des Moines-based unit.

The strike came amid escalating hostilities following joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran. American officials confirmed that six US service members have so far been killed in the conflict.

The Pentagon identified three other soldiers who died in the same attack as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska; and Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of Minnesota. Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant.

Coady’s father, Andrew, said he last spoke to his son on Saturday, February 29, the day before the attack.

“He was telling us that he was safe,” he said.

According to the family, the young soldier had been providing frequent updates as tensions in the region intensified. He last spoke to his older brother, Aidan, 25, an Army corporal based in Italy.

Their father believes the strike may have occurred shortly after that final call.

“But we had a feeling based off the limited timeframe, we feel shortly after he got off the phone with his brother, that this incident happened,” he said.

Coady’s sister, Keira, 22, described the heartbreak of losing her younger brother.

“He was my younger brother… I’m just really sad that I didn’t get a chance to tell him I love him one more time,” she said.

In a statement, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds paid tribute to the fallen reservist, describing him as “a young Iowan who heroically answered his nation’s call to duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice”.

She called on residents of the state to keep his family in their prayers.

Drake

University

, where Coady was a second-year student studying information systems, cybersecurity and computer science, said it was “heartbroken” by the news of his death.

The university noted that he had served in the US Army Reserve since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist and said he had “an incredibly bright future ahead of him”.

Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve while studying at Drake and could have avoided deployment because of his participation in ROTC. However, he chose to deploy to Kuwait in August 2025.

His father said he had been considering transitioning to active duty after completing his deployment.

“That’s how much he loved it,” he said.

Coady would have celebrated his 21st birthday on 5 May.

A graduate of Valley High School in 2023, Coady was described by his family as kind, modest and quietly determined.

“He was just the nicest. He was quite shy and a man of few words, but he was amazing,” his sister said.

His father added: “He was still outgoing in many ways. He was not afraid of doing anything.

He would always step up and help people . Declan was very good at what he did in the Army.”

Outside his military service and academic pursuits, he enjoyed gaming, going to the gym, camping and hiking with his family.

He had also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, following in the footsteps of his two brothers.

An online fundraiser set up to support the family described him as “more than a soldier, he was a son, a family member, a friend, and a light in the lives of those who knew him”.

The Defense Department said the US Army Reserve soldiers were among six service members who died when an Iranian strike hit a tactical operations center in Kuwait.

Around 2000, a house fire broke out while a two-year-old boy named Xavier Lewis was inside.

By the time firefighters reached him, he had stopped breathing.

Firefighter Jeff Ohs carried the child out of the burning building and immediately began CPR. After several moments, the effort worked and Xavier’s life was saved.

Xavier grew up knowing the name of the man who rescued him that day.

Years passed. He went through school, started adult life, and always remembered the fire and the firefighter who helped him survive.

The experience eventually influenced an important decision.

Xavier decided to become a firefighter himself.

About 23 years after the fire, Xavier had the chance to meet Jeff Ohs again.

This time the situation was very different.

Xavier was no longer the child who needed saving. He was an adult and a father.

During the meeting, Jeff held Xavier’s two-year-old son in his arms.

The moment connected three generations through one rescue that happened many years earlier.

Xavier later shared a simple message.

Without Jeff’s actions during the fire, he would not be alive today.

In June 2023, 8-year-old Maurice Adams Jr. was riding in the backseat after attending his sister’s high school graduation.

Outside, he saw an elderly woman struggling to climb a set of stairs with a walker. Each step looked difficult and slow.

Maurice asked his mother to stop the car. Without hesitation, he stepped out and went to help.

He placed a hand on her back, steadied the walker, and guided her step by step to the top.

A nearby driver noticed and recorded the moment. The video later spread online, showing a simple but powerful act of kindness.

When they reached the top, the woman hugged Maurice and thanked him. Then he returned to the car and continued his day.

There were no speeches, no planning, no audience. Just a child seeing someone in need and choosing to act.

That short action left a lasting impression on everyone who watched.

The first explosions did far more than damage concrete structures or military facilities. They shattered the fragile assumption that the long-standing tensions surrounding Iran and its nuclear ambitions could still be contained through diplomacy, negotiations, and strategic restraint. For years, policymakers around the world had warned that the situation in the Middle East rested on a delicate balance. This balance was maintained through a combination of sanctions, diplomatic pressure, deterrence strategies, and cautious military positioning by regional and global powers. Yet when reports emerged that aircraft from the United States and Israel had carried out coordinated airstrikes inside Iranian territory, that balance appeared to collapse almost instantly. News of the operation spread rapidly across international media outlets, dominating headlines and prompting urgent responses from governments worldwide. Analysts and security experts began debating whether this moment represented a limited strike intended to send a strategic message or the opening phase of a much larger confrontation. The sudden escalation also intensified global anxiety about the stability of the Middle East, a region whose geopolitical tensions have repeatedly shaped international security and economic conditions. For many observers, the most troubling aspect of the situation was the speed with which long-simmering rivalries seemed to erupt into direct military confrontation. Within hours, a conflict that had previously unfolded through proxy battles, covert operations, and diplomatic standoffs appeared to move into a far more dangerous stage, raising fears that a broader regional war could become a real possibility.

According to officials in Washington, D.C. and Tel Aviv, the strikes were part of a coordinated military campaign referred to as Operation Epic Fury. Military leaders described the operation as a preemptive effort designed to weaken key components of Iran’s military infrastructure, particularly facilities believed to be connected to the country’s nuclear development program. Public statements emphasized that intelligence assessments had suggested an urgent need for action, arguing that delaying intervention could have allowed Iran to expand capabilities that might threaten regional security. Supporters of the strikes portrayed the operation as a defensive measure intended to prevent future instability, claiming that the targets were carefully selected to minimize broader damage while neutralizing specific strategic threats. However, critics quickly raised concerns about the potential consequences of such an action. Many warned that direct military strikes against Iranian territory risked provoking a cycle of retaliation that could escalate beyond the control of any single government. This debate highlighted a long-standing divide among international observers about how best to address Iran’s influence in the region. Some policymakers have long advocated decisive action to limit Tehran’s strategic reach, while others argue that diplomatic engagement and multilateral agreements offer a safer path toward long-term stability. Regardless of the differing perspectives, the operation marked one of the most significant direct confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in recent years, signaling a shift from indirect tensions to open military action.

As the situation unfolded, images and video footage began circulating across social media platforms and global news broadcasts. These visuals showed damaged facilities, fires burning near military compounds, and smoke rising from sites believed to be associated with Iran’s defense infrastructure. Reports suggested that several strategic locations had been struck, including facilities linked to air-defense systems and other military installations. Iranian state media, however, presented a different narrative, emphasizing claims that many incoming missiles had been intercepted and that the country’s defensive capabilities remained largely intact. Officials in Tehran issued strong condemnations of the strikes, describing them as acts of aggression and promising a response. The language used in official statements suggested that retaliation was not only likely but inevitable. This exchange of narratives reflected the broader information struggle that often accompanies modern warfare. In addition to physical battles fought on the ground or in the air, governments also compete to shape public perception and control the story presented to domestic and international audiences. Military analysts and intelligence agencies around the world began carefully examining available evidence in an effort to determine the true extent of the damage caused by the strikes. While some early reports suggested significant disruption to certain military sites, the full impact remained uncertain as both sides released selective information supporting their own strategic messaging.

Behind the dramatic headlines and rapidly spreading online footage, diplomatic activity intensified across the international community. Governments throughout Europe urged restraint, calling on all parties involved to avoid further escalation and return to diplomatic dialogue. Leaders emphasized that while security concerns were legitimate, military confrontation carried enormous risks not only for the countries directly involved but also for the broader Middle East region. Neighboring nations in the Persian Gulf quietly increased security measures, strengthening defensive preparations while closely monitoring developments. Regional leaders understood that even a limited conflict could quickly expand if retaliatory strikes triggered additional military responses. International organizations also began discussing emergency diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing the crisis from spiraling further. Channels of communication that had previously been inactive were suddenly reopened as diplomats attempted to de-escalate the situation through urgent negotiations. Behind closed doors, envoys and foreign ministers worked to deliver messages between governments that might otherwise refuse direct communication. These efforts reflected a long-standing reality of international politics: even during moments of confrontation, diplomacy often continues in parallel, seeking opportunities to slow or contain the conflict before it expands beyond control.

While political leaders debated strategy and diplomats searched for ways to reduce tensions, global financial markets reacted almost immediately to the unfolding events. Energy traders in particular responded to fears that the conflict could disrupt oil production or threaten shipping routes passing through critical waterways in the Middle East. The region remains one of the world’s most important sources of energy supply, and even the possibility of disruption can create rapid shifts in market behavior. Oil prices experienced sharp fluctuations as analysts attempted to evaluate the likelihood of further escalation and its potential consequences for global energy distribution. Investors also began assessing broader economic risks. Concerns emerged about how an extended conflict might affect international trade routes, supply chains, and financial stability across multiple industries. Governments in major economies monitored the situation carefully, recognizing that geopolitical crises in the Middle East often have far-reaching economic consequences. While the immediate financial impact remained uncertain, the reaction of global markets demonstrated how closely interconnected geopolitical stability and economic systems have become. Events occurring within a single region can quickly influence decisions made by investors, corporations, and policymakers around the world.

Amid the strategic calculations, military planning, and economic speculation, the human dimension of the crisis remained deeply visible. In cities such as Tehran and Tel Aviv, ordinary people followed the unfolding events with growing anxiety and uncertainty. Families gathered around televisions or refreshed news updates on their phones, trying to understand what the latest developments might mean for their safety and future. Parents listened carefully for warning sirens, while children asked questions that were often difficult to answer. For many residents of the region, the most frightening aspect of the situation was the uncertainty surrounding what might happen next. The explosions that marked the beginning of the confrontation left people wondering whether they represented a limited military exchange or the start of a much larger war. In moments like these, the line between geopolitical strategy and everyday life becomes painfully clear. Decisions made in government offices, military headquarters, and diplomatic meetings can shape the daily experiences of millions of people who simply hope for peace and stability. As the world continued watching events unfold, the greatest hope among many observers was that restraint and dialogue might prevail before the cycle of retaliation expanded into a broader conflict with consequences reaching far beyond the Middle East.

KEARNS, Utah — A crossing guard in Kearns is proving that age doesn’t have to slow you down. Ray Weber has been helping students safely cross the street for 24 years.

On Tuesday, he celebrated a major milestone — his 90th birthday — still showing up for the job with the same energy and enthusiasm. “Good morning, you guys! Hello princess!” Weber called out to students as they arrived at West Kearns Elementary on Tuesday morning.

Many of the children know him by name, including students like 9-year-old Avia Burt. “He helps people and he also is really nice and funny,” Burt, a third grader at West Kearns Elementary said.

“Sometimes when I’m walking to school, he tells me some jokes and stuff,” she said, admitting most of them are “dad jokes.”

Weber, who grew up in Park City, took the job after retiring from his 35-year-old career in the printing industry. He said he wanted something that would keep him physically active, so he put on a fluorescent yellow-green vest and picked up a stop sign.

Watch: Crossing Guard Day

But it’s the students who keep him coming back. “They’re funny. It’s great interacting with the kids,” Weber said. “They’ll come along and pick up rocks along the sidewalk or the gutter and bring them over to share with us.”

He even convinced his wife to join him as a crossing guard.

Despite turning 90, Weber said he doesn’t feel his age. “When I’m just thinking of me and my personality and how I appear to other people, I’m 40 years old,” he said. “That’s the way I look at myself — until I look in the mirror.”

So what’s his secret to a long life?

“Stay young, be happy, laugh a lot, have a good time,” Weber said. “Be active, like what you do.”

In 2018, families gathered at Betsy Layne Elementary School in Kentucky for a school homecoming event.

Parents arrived dressed neatly. Many were ready for photos with their children.

Then one father walked in looking very different.

He was a coal miner who had just finished a shift underground.

There was no time to go home. No time to clean up.

He arrived wearing his work clothes, with coal dust still on his boots and face.

Instead of missing the event, he came straight from the mine.

A photo taken at the school shows the miner standing beside his daughter during the celebration.

He does not look polished like the other parents.

But he is there.

Coal mining shifts are long and exhausting. After hours of physical work, many people would choose to rest or go home first.

This father made another choice.

He chose to show up for his daughter.

When the school shared the photo online, it quickly spread across social media.

People were not focused on the coal dust.

They noticed something else.

A father who finished a difficult day of work and still made sure he was present for his child.

Sometimes support does not arrive perfectly dressed.

Sometimes it arrives directly from work.

Former President Barack Obama recently spoke about the increasingly harsh tone of modern political discourse following controversy surrounding a social media post shared by President Donald Trump.

The episode drew widespread public attention and sparked renewed debate about civility in American politics. The controversy began when a video circulated on the social media platform Truth Social on February 5.

The clip included an edited segment depicting the faces of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama superimposed onto animated apes dancing.

The video used the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a well-known track that has appeared in popular culture for decades. Critics quickly argued that the imagery echoed historically racist tropes used against Black public figures.

The edited clip appeared at the end of a longer video that also referenced disputed claims about the 2020 United States presidential election. Those claims have been widely rejected by courts and election officials from both political parties.

Within hours of appearing online, the video began circulating widely across social media platforms. Many political commentators, journalists, and advocacy groups condemned the imagery and described it as offensive and inappropriate.

The post was later removed from Truth Social, though screenshots and clips continued spreading online. By that point, the video had already triggered significant criticism from across the political spectrum.

Representatives connected to Donald Trump responded to the controversy by suggesting that the president had not fully reviewed the entire video before it was posted. According to those statements, he had only briefly glanced at the beginning.

Trump reportedly said he believed the clip related to a lighthearted reference to “The Lion King” or similar pop culture imagery. He attributed the post to staff involvement and said he did not personally intend offense.

Despite those explanations, the situation quickly became a flashpoint in ongoing political debates about rhetoric and responsibility on social media platforms. Commentators discussed how quickly controversial content can spread online.

Some Republican figures also expressed concern about the imagery and tone of the video. While reactions varied, several politicians emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful discourse in national politics.

Among those who commented publicly was Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina. He described the imagery as deeply troubling and urged leaders to maintain higher standards in political communication.

Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations were more direct in their criticism. Many argued that the imagery reinforced long-standing racial stereotypes that have historically been used to demean Black individuals.

The controversy also reignited broader discussions about the role of social media in shaping political narratives. Platforms like Truth Social, X, Facebook, and YouTube have become central arenas for political messaging.

Because of the speed at which information spreads online, critics say controversial posts can reach millions of viewers before corrections or clarifications appear. This dynamic has transformed modern political communication.

Former President Barack Obama addressed the broader issue during a conversation released on February 14 with political commentator and podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen. The interview touched on several topics related to public discourse.

Although Obama did not directly mention Donald Trump by name in the portion discussing the controversy, many listeners interpreted his remarks as referencing the broader climate surrounding the viral video.

During the interview, Obama reflected on the contrast between everyday interactions among Americans and the tone often seen in political messaging. He suggested that most people still value respect and basic courtesy.

“As I’m traveling around the country,” Obama explained, “you meet people who still believe in decency, courtesy, and kindness.” He emphasized that those values remain common despite the louder voices dominating online discussions.

Obama then contrasted that experience with what he described as a “clown show” atmosphere on certain social media platforms and television programs. His comments highlighted the growing gap between online rhetoric and everyday interactions.

He expressed concern that traditional expectations for public leadership appear to have weakened over time. According to Obama, past political leaders often felt pressure to maintain a sense of decorum.

“There used to be an expectation that public officials would demonstrate respect for the office they held,” he noted during the interview. In his view, that sense of responsibility has eroded in parts of modern political culture.

Obama did not focus exclusively on the video controversy. Instead, he framed the moment as part of a broader conversation about the direction of American politics and public debate.

Throughout the discussion, he emphasized that democratic societies rely heavily on shared norms of honesty, accountability, and mutual respect. Without those norms, political disagreements can become more divisive and hostile.

The interview also touched on current policy debates, including immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement operations in certain American cities. These topics have become major points of disagreement between political parties.

Obama expressed concern about reports describing aggressive enforcement tactics during immigration operations. He suggested that maintaining clear rules and oversight is essential for protecting both public safety and civil liberties.

Critics of federal immigration enforcement policies have argued that some operations can create fear within immigrant communities. Supporters of those policies, however, say strong enforcement is necessary for maintaining the rule of law.

The debate reflects broader disagreements about immigration policy in the United States. Lawmakers from both parties continue to argue about how best to balance humanitarian concerns, border security, and economic realities.

Obama emphasized that political disagreements should not eliminate the need for empathy and careful policymaking. He argued that even contentious issues deserve thoughtful discussion rather than inflammatory rhetoric.

Throughout the interview, he repeatedly returned to the theme of democratic responsibility. According to Obama, leaders and citizens alike share a role in shaping the tone of public conversation.

He suggested that voters ultimately determine the direction of political culture through their choices in elections. When citizens demand higher standards from their leaders, those expectations can influence political behavior.

Obama also emphasized that the American political system includes safeguards designed to protect democratic institutions. Elections, courts, and a free press all play a role in maintaining accountability.

While acknowledging deep divisions in American politics, Obama expressed confidence that many citizens remain committed to democratic principles. He argued that public engagement can help reinforce those values.

“We’re going to push back with the truth,” he said during the interview, emphasizing the importance of factual information in public debate. In his view, transparency remains a key defense against misinformation.

Political analysts note that moments of controversy often reveal underlying tensions within society. Debates about race, free speech, and political accountability frequently intersect in highly visible public disputes.

The viral video controversy illustrates how symbolic imagery can carry powerful historical associations. Because of that history, even brief or edited clips can provoke strong emotional responses from audiences.

At the same time, the rapid spread of digital media can blur the line between satire, political messaging, and offensive content. Determining intent and responsibility often becomes part of the public debate.

Many experts argue that political leaders must exercise particular caution when sharing content online. Posts from high-profile accounts can influence public conversation and shape perceptions across the country.

The episode also highlights the continuing influence of former presidents in shaping political discussion. Even after leaving office, figures like Barack Obama remain influential voices in national debates.

As the conversation around the controversy continued, media organizations and commentators examined the broader cultural implications. Questions about political civility and digital responsibility remain central themes.

Ultimately, Obama’s comments focused less on the specific video and more on the larger climate of political communication. He framed the issue as part of an ongoing challenge facing democratic societies.

Despite the intensity of recent political conflicts, Obama concluded his remarks with a message of cautious optimism. He expressed confidence that many Americans still support principles such as honesty, fairness, and mutual respect.

According to Obama, those values continue to shape the decisions people make when they participate in elections, civic discussions, and community life. Democratic systems rely on citizens who remain engaged and informed.

The broader lesson, he suggested, is that the tone of public discourse can change when citizens insist on higher standards from leaders and institutions. Political culture ultimately reflects the choices societies make together.

My father was a soldier. He carried the scars of war not on his skin, but deep within his soul. Life after service was never easy for him—he lived simply, quietly, and often spoke of the men who had returned home only to find themselves forgotten.

Many of them, he said, were heroes who now slept under bridges and park benches, invisible to the world they once defended.

When my father passed away, I expected little from his will. He had no fortune, no savings, and I was his only child.

But as the lawyer began to read, my heart stopped. “As per your father’s wishes, his house will be given to a homeless veteran named James.”

I couldn’t believe it. His house? The only thing he owned? The lawyer explained that my father had met James years ago—a Marine who had lost his family, his job, and eventually his home.

They had shared countless conversations, meals, and quiet moments of understanding. My father had promised James that one day, he would have a roof over his head again

One Wednesday in Alabama, a sheriff’s deputy noticed a man slowly walking along the road while carrying an oxygen tank. Concerned for his safety, the deputy pulled over to check on him.

The man explained that he was a disabled veteran who had an important doctor’s appointment in Huntsville that he could not miss. Without any transportation available, he decided to start walking and hoped he might find someone willing to give him a ride along the way.

The deputy knew he couldn’t let the veteran continue such a difficult journey alone.

Instead, he helped organize something remarkable. A chain of support was created between several deputies from different counties. One deputy drove the veteran to the county line, where another officer was already waiting to continue the trip.

Step by step, deputies worked together, each taking a portion of the journey until the veteran safely reached his medical appointment in Huntsville.

But their kindness didn’t stop there.

After the appointment and an overnight stay, the officers repeated the same process the following day to make sure he returned home safely.

What began as a simple welfare check turned into an inspiring example of teamwork and compassion. The deputies were proud to help a man who had already given so much in service to his country.

— Morgan County Sheriff’s Office 🫡