Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A seventh American service member has been killed in the United States war with Iran.
The service member died Saturday night after being seriously injured during an attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1, U.S. Central Command said in a statement Sunday.
“This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury,” the statement said.
The slain service member has not been named. Officials said their identity would be shared with the public 24 hours after their next-of-kin has been notified.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of six U.S. soldiers killed in the war at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
open image in gallery
A seventh U.S. service member has died in the Iran war, the U.S. military announced Sunday. President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of six slain service members Saturday (AP)
The soldiers killed in action were Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist.
The six Army Reserve members were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait. The group was from the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies. They died a day after the U.S. and Israel launched joint military campaign against Iran on February 28.
Trump said Saturday there will likely be more U.S. casualties in the conflict with Iran. When asked if he thought he would attend more dignified transfers, Trump said: “I’m sure. I hate to… but it’s part of war.”
Top administration officials attended the dignified transfer, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The defense chief who wrote on social media Friday of “an unbreakable spirit to honor their memory and the resolve they embodied.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence were also in attendance.
open image in gallery
Major Jeffrey O’Brien (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan were killed in action March 1 (US Army)
open image in gallery
From left: Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sgt. Declan Coady were killed in action March 1 (U.S. Army Reserve)
Trump, wearing a blue suit, red tie and white USA baseball cap, saluted each coffin as it was carried by service members from the military aircraft to awaiting transfer vehicles. The families of the slain soldiers were also in attendance.
“These soldiers engaged in the most noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure,” Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran, said earlier this week. “Our nation owes them an incredible debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, more than 300 in Lebanon and about a dozen people in Israel since the conflict began over a week ago, according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran on February 28, killing dozens of Iranian officials, including the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials said Sunday his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, would be his successor.
Iran has retaliated against Israel and U.S. bases and allies in the region. On Sunday, Israel struck Beirut in Lebanon and an oil storage facility in Tehran, continuing to escalate the conflict.
open image in gallery
Six of the soldiers were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait on Sunday, March 1 (via REUTERS)
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Trump spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his hesitation to grant the U.S. access to its airbases amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The prime minister’s office said the two leaders discussed military cooperation between the two countries through the use of RAF bases.
“The Prime Minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six U.S. soldiers,” a spokesperson said, adding: “They looked forward to speaking again soon.”
The seemingly productive phone call came a day after Trump attacked the prime minister in a post on his Truth Social, accusing Starmer of trying to “join wars after we’ve already won,” amid reports that Britain was preparing naval assets for possible deployment.
“The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote. “That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer – But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”