Iranian Drone Strike in Kuwait Injures U.S. Soldiers, Conflict Escalates

A March 1 Iranian drone strike in Kuwait severely injured a U.S. Army Reserve Master Sergeant and killed six American soldiers, highlighting the escalating conflict between the U.S. And Iran. The attack, targeting a tactical operations center at the Shuaiba port, resulted in dozens of injuries, including brain trauma, shrapnel wounds, and burns.

Details of the Attack and Casualties

The drone strike occurred as an initial response to the U.S. And Israel’s military campaign against Iran. The six soldiers killed were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command of the Army Reserve, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Identified among the fallen are Sgt. Declan Coady, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens. AP News reports that Sgt. Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist.

Master Sergeant Steinback’s Injury and Recovery

Master Sergeant Josh Steinback of Toledo, Ohio, sustained severe injuries in the attack and is being transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for a lengthy recovery. The Times Republican reports that his wife, Angela Steinback, an LPN at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, praised the Wounded Warrior Project for assistance with travel arrangements.

Extent of Injuries and Medical Response

The attack proved more severe than initially reported, with over 30 U.S. Service members hospitalized as of Tuesday night. CBS News details that 12 are at Walter Reed Medical Center, approximately 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and one at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Many are suffering from traumatic brain injuries, memory loss, concussions, and some may require amputation. More than 100 medical personnel were deployed to Landstuhl to assist.

Broader Conflict and Previous Casualties

As of March 14, 2026, at least 13 American soldiers have been killed and 170 wounded in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Prior to the Kuwait attack, Iowa Army National Guard Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar were killed in a terrorist attack in Palmyra, Syria, in December 2025.

Community Support

The Tama American Legion Community Event Center in Iowa has announced that proceeds from their 2025-2026 fish fry season will be donated to support the Steinback family.