Qatar downs two Iranian jets as Trump expects prolonged war

Qatar’s Defense Ministry said Monday its air force shot down two inbound Sukhoi Su-24 tactical bombers that entered its airspace from Iranian territory.

The incident marked the first time a Gulf Arab state has publicly indicated Iran is using manned aircraft, not just missiles and drones, in its expanding regional attacks.

The jets, Russian-made bombers operated by Iran, were intercepted after failing to respond to repeated warnings, Qatari officials said. No survivors were reported.

The shootdown came as President Donald Trump vowed the United States would keep striking Iran “for as long as it takes” to leave it unable to threaten others. He said initial projections were for a four- to five-week campaign but stressed Washington could sustain operations much longer if needed.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Iran has climbed above 550, according to local authorities, amid sustained US and Israeli air and missile strikes. US Central Command also said Monday a fourth American service member died from wounds suffered earlier in the war.

Also on Monday, three US F-15E Strike Eagles were brought down over Kuwait in what the Pentagon called an apparent friendly-fire incident. All six aircrew members ejected safely and were recovered.