A United States Air Force refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq during the ongoing military operations linked to the escalating war with Iran.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, a KC-135 Stratotanker was lost during Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

The incident occurred in “friendly airspace,” and officials stressed that it was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the planes went down in western Iraq while the second aircraft managed to land safely.

Rescue operations were immediately launched to locate and assist any crew members involved.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties, urging patience as officials gather more information and notify the families of the service members.

The crash comes amid a widening regional conflict following a major U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran launched on February 28, 2026, targeting military facilities, missile systems and leadership structures.

The operation, known as Operation Epic Fury, involves thousands of troops, fighter jets, drones and naval assets aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and curbing its influence across the Middle East.

Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks against Israel, U.S. bases and allied countries in the Gulf, escalating the conflict into one of the most serious military confrontations in the region in years.

Military officials say aerial refuelling aircraft such as the KC-135 are critical to sustaining long-range combat missions by enabling fighter jets and bombers to remain airborne during extended operations.

The latest crash is the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft loss since the war began, underscoring the intensity and complexity of ongoing combat operations across the Middle East.