The U.S. Army completed its investigation into the Iranian attack on U.S. forces in Kuwait. Gold Star families are expected to receive a briefing on the investigation's findings on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

The investigation examined the March 1, 2025 drone strike on a tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, which resulted in the deaths of six Americans. U.S. Army Central and Third Army ordered the Pentagon probe to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident. This strike marked the deadliest attack on U.S. troops in the Iran War to date.

Following the strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the Iranian drone as a "squirter" on March 2, 2025. However, several soldiers expressed different accounts. An injured soldier stated on April 1, 2025, that "painting a picture that 'one squeaked through' is a falsehood." The soldier also said the unit was "unprepared to provide any defense for itself" and that "It was not a fortified position."

A senior official commented on the unit's location, saying, "We moved closer to Iran, to a deeply unsafe area that was a known target." Regarding the level of fortification, the official stated, "I mean, I would put it in the none category." This official assessed the unit's drone defense capability as "none." Major Stephen Ramsbottom characterized the event by stating, "This was a failure." Ramsbottom also said he believed Master Sgt. Nicole Amor could have survived her wounds if there had been a doctor, a fixed aid station, or more than one ambulance at the post.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X, stating that "every possible measure has been taken to safeguard our troops — at every level." Parnell also asserted in a post on X that "[t]he secure facility was fortified with 6-foot walls." A soldier speaking on condition of anonymity stated, "I feel incredibly let down by the leadership of this unit." Several soldiers told sources they hoped the investigation would include a performance review of the commanders of the Iowa-based 103rd Sustainment Command.

A soldier stated, "We knew what things were predetermined targets — not just which bases but specifically which locations on certain bases." The soldier confirmed that Shuaiba was on the list of predetermined targets, saying, "Yes, definitely." A complaint sent to the Army Inspector General alleged that leadership "disregarded" intelligence briefings and "yelled" at those who questioned the deployment to Shuaiba.

Why It Matters

The U.S. Army's completed investigation and the upcoming briefing for Gold Star families address the circumstances surrounding the March 1, 2025 Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, which claimed the lives of six American service members. This event represents the deadliest attack on U.S. troops in the ongoing Iran War. The investigation's findings are anticipated to address questions raised by soldiers and officials regarding defense readiness, fortification, and intelligence handling at the Port of Shuaiba, as various accounts have presented differing perspectives on these matters.