Iran-US-Israel war intensifies: Hundreds dead, F-15 jets downed; US and Israeli losses reported

PTC Web Desk:  The conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States entered its third day, with significant casualties and military losses reported on both sides. On Monday, Iran targeted six American installations across four Middle Eastern countries, while a misfired strike in Kuwait led to the crash of several US  fighter jets. Fortunately, all US pilots survived. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that three American jets were mistakenly targeted, mistaking them for enemy aircraft.

According to Al Jazeera, American and Israeli forces have jointly conducted over 1,000 strikes inside Iran. In the first 30 hours of the conflict, more than 2,000 bombs were deployed. Iranian casualties have mounted to 555, with over 700 injured. A missile hitting a school resulted in the deaths of 180 students and injuries to 45 others. On the first day of fighting, February 28, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a bombing. Additionally, three American soldiers were killed on Sunday.

From the US side, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of three service members and five others seriously injured. On the third day of fighting, three US F-15 fighter jets were lost. These aircraft, developed originally by McDonnell Douglas and now produced by Boeing, are valued between US$30–40 million for older models and US$80–90 million for the newer F-15EX. The total estimated financial loss for the United States ranges from US$270 million to US$291 million.

Israel has also experienced casualties, with Iranian missile strikes causing 10 deaths within its borders. Eight persons were killed in an attack on a prayer site in Beit Shemesh, while continued missile defense operations in Tel Aviv triggered repeated explosions across the city.

The situation remains tense as the conflict continues to escalate, raising fears of further regional instability in the Middle East.