WASHINGTON DC: A US military refuelling aircraft has crashed over western Iraq, the US military confirmed, adding that neither hostile action nor friendly fire appears to have caused the incident.
In a statement, the military said rescue operations are ongoing following the crash, which involved two aircraft. The second plane involved in the incident landed safely, BBC reported.
Meanwhile, the White House announced it would allow countries a 30-day license to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea despite existing sanctions. The move is intended to address growing concerns over global oil supply.
In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the first casualty among French forces since the war began.
Earlier in the day, Israel said it had launched another wave of air strikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran. Israeli forces also carried out strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
Separately, Iranian state television broadcast a statement attributed to the country’s new supreme leader — his first since taking office — in which he pledged to continue efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions in the region intensified further after at least three additional cargo ships were reportedly attacked in the Gulf. Iranian state media said Iranian forces were responsible for at least one of the strikes.
(Inputs from BBC)
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