At least four U.S. service members have died as fighting in the Middle East intensifies, with Iran and its proxy forces launching retaliatory strikes against Israel and Arab states while U.S. and Israeli forces continue targetin g sites inside Iran.U.S. Central Command said Monday that a fourth service member, who had been seriously wounded during an attack, succumbed to their injuries.In a separate incident, three American fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses, U.S. military officials said Monday. All six crew members ejected safely.RELATED STORY | Iran confirms supreme leaders death after US-Israeli strikesMeanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a press briefing Monday that strikes will continue to combat what he described as Iran's "stubborn and self-evident nuclear pursuits." Operation Epic Fury press briefing"Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions," Hegseth said."The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal," he added. "But Tehran was not negotiating they were stalling, buying time to reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions. Their goal: hold us hostage, threatening to strike our forces."At least 555 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the latest round of strikes, according to Iranian officials.RELATED STORY | Strikes on Iran could push US gas prices well above $3, analysts warnIn Israel, Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants claimed responsibility for deadly strikes in the country. A senior Iranian official said the U.S. and Israel crossed a red line and must pay the price for Khameneis killing.With Khamenei dead, a 66-year-old cleric has been selected to join a three-member council that will govern Iran until a new Supreme Leader is appointed. Trump said Sunday he has agreed to talk with potential new Iranian leadership, but Iran does not appear, at this point, ready to engage in talks with the U.S. ...read more read less