A United States military refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations connected to the ongoing conflict with Iran, raising fears that several servicemen may have been killed.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker, according to United States Central Command. The tanker was taking part in Operation Epic Fury, the United States’ current military campaign in the region.

Officials said the aircraft went down following an incident involving two aircraft operating in friendly airspace. Authorities added that there were no indications the crash was caused by hostile fire.

The tanker came down in western Iraq, though officials have not yet confirmed the condition of the crew on board. Search and rescue efforts are believed to be underway as the military works to determine the cause of the incident.

The crash comes amid escalating tensions across the Middle East following continued strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.

Donald Trump has vowed to continue military action against Iran, describing the country as an “evil empire” and insisting 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 said it had recently struck the Taleghan compound, which Israel claims was being used to develop critical capabilities linked to nuclear weapons.

The widening conflict has also rattled global energy markets, with oil prices once again approaching $100 per barrel amid renewed attacks on cargo vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s 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 the final decision rests with Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Tensions remain high across the Gulf region, where multiple vessels have been struck near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, including tankers near Iraq and another off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the growing impact of the conflict on global shipping and energy supplies.