JD Vance urges prayers for US troops in 'harm’s way' amid Iran nuclear operations in NC

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA: Vice President JD Vance, on Friday, March 13, called on Americans to pray for US service members currently deployed overseas while speaking at an event in North Carolina.

Addressing a crowd that included veterans and military families, he referenced an ongoing US military operation aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. 

His remarks came as the US military confirmed the deaths of six service members following an incident involving a refueling aircraft in western Iraq.

Officials say the crash occurred during a combat mission linked to a broader operation in the region.

Vance addresses Military Operation and calls for prayers

During his speech, Vance acknowledged the state’s large military community, noting the presence of several bases and a significant veteran population.

He referenced the current US military effort known as Operation Epic Fury, describing it as part of an effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“You all know that right now, we are engaged in a military operation to ensure, as the president has said repeatedly, that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” Vance told the audience. “That is a simple, simple principle and standard. Frankly, every president has taken affirmative steps to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

The crowd responded with applause following the remarks. Vance also emphasized the presence of service members from North Carolina and other states who are currently deployed.

“But we also know that there are a lot of people from the state of North Carolina who are in harm’s way right now,” he said.

He encouraged attendees to remember military personnel in their prayers after the event. “And so I want all of us, when we go home, when we leave this event, I want all of us to say a prayer. Not just for the North Carolinians, but for the people of all of our 50 states who put on the uniform and are willing to sacrifice for the safety and security and freedom of the United States of America.”

In addition to discussing the military mission, Vance briefly highlighted recent economic indicators he said have improved, including rising home purchases, declining rents for several months, average tax refunds of about $3,700 per family in North Carolina, and lower interest rates compared with previous years.

Six service members dead after KC-135 incident in Iraq

Remarks come as, the US military confirmed that six service members aboard a KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft were killed following an incident over western Iraq.

Officials said the aircraft went down at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 12, while operating over friendly territory during a combat mission connected to Operation Epic Fury. United States Central Command said the loss was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

According to military officials, the crash occurred after two aircraft were involved in what was described as an “incident” in mid-air. A US official said both aircraft were KC-135 tanker planes.

One aircraft went down following the encounter, while the second tanker was able to land safely.

Gen Dan Caine said Friday that four of the airmen had been recovered as of the latest update.

Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations at the site while working to complete the mission and notify families of those involved.