The U.S. Army has completed its investigation into the deadly Iranian attack on American forces in Kuwait earlier this year, with Gold Star families receiving a private briefing on the findings this Thursday, sources informed CBS News.
Six Americans were killed in the March 1 strike on a tactical operations center located at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. This incident marked the deadliest attack on U.S. troops in the ongoing Iran War to date, occurring amidst intense Iranian missile and drone assaults across the Persian Gulf region following the launch of Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Israel.
An Army spokesperson confirmed the briefing, stating, "Today, Army officials met with the families of those service members killed during the Port of Shuaiba attack for a private briefing." The spokesperson added that no additional details regarding the briefing or its contents would be provided "Out of respect for the families and to preserve the integrity of those discussions."
The Pentagon probe was ordered by U.S. Army Central and Third Army "to determine the facts and circumstances" of the Iranian attack. However, even before the official review began, a CBS News investigation uncovered what several survivors described as "strategic failures" both leading up to and following the strike.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially characterized the Iranian drone as a "squirter" one day after the attack, implying it bypassed the defenses of a fortified unit. This account was contradicted in April by an injured soldier who told CBS News that "painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood," asserting the unit was "unprepared to provide any defense for itself" and "was not a fortified position." A senior official, speaking anonymously, echoed this sentiment, stating the unit was in "a deeply unsafe area that was a known target" and had "none" in terms of drone defense capability.
Survivors also recounted chaotic scenes post-impact. Maj. Stephen Ramsbottom, in an interview with CBS News, called the incident "a failure," expressing belief that Master Sgt. Nicole Amor might have survived her wounds if a doctor, a fixed aid station, or more than one ambulance had been available at the post.
Despite these criticisms, the Pentagon has consistently rejected claims that the Army attempted to downplay the incident. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, in a post on X addressing prior CBS News reporting, asserted that "every possible measure has been taken to safeguard our troops — at every level" and that "[t]he secure facility was fortified with 6-foot walls."
CBS News has interviewed more than a dozen soldiers who were on the ground at Shuaiba, along with families and loved ones of the deceased. Many soldiers expressed hope that the investigation would include a performance review of the commanders of the Iowa-based 103rd Sustainment Command, whom they blamed for ordering troops to Shuaiba weeks before Operation Epic Fury, despite what they believed were known concerns.
One soldier, speaking anonymously due to military media restrictions, stated, "I feel incredibly let down by the leadership of this unit." Another soldier confirmed that Shuaiba was definitely on a list of "predetermined targets." A complaint sent to the Army Inspector General by a unit member, shared with CBS News, alleged that leadership "disregarded" intelligence briefings and "yelled" at those who questioned the deployment.
The Pentagon declined to answer CBS News’ questions regarding the scope of the inquiry, including whether any individual leaders were a primary focus. CBS News has reached out to both the Pentagon and the 103rd Sustainment Command for comment.
Updated on: July 9, 2026 / 4:42 PM EDT / CBS News
Asked to describe the degree of fortification of the unit, this official responded: "I mean, I would put it in the none category. From a drone defense capability … none."
