Iowa Governor Mourns Fallen Soldiers in Iran Conflict

Reynolds says she believes the US mission against Iran was 'the right thing to do' despite the sacrifice of Iowa troops.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed grief over the loss of four soldiers from her state, including two who died in a drone strike in Kuwait during the early stages of the US war with Iran. Reynolds said she spoke with the families of the fallen and believes the US mission against Iran was justified, despite the sacrifice of Iowa troops.

Why it matters

The deaths of Iowa soldiers in the conflict with Iran highlight the human toll of the military action and the difficult decisions facing state and national leaders as they navigate geopolitical tensions. Reynolds' comments reflect the complex emotions and political calculations involved when US troops are killed in overseas operations.

The details

The Iowa soldiers killed include Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, who died in a drone strike in Kuwait. In December, two other Iowa National Guard members, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, were killed in Syria. Reynolds said she spoke with the families of the fallen and praised the soldiers' service, while also defending the US mission against Iran.

  • On March 5, 2026, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds held a news conference to address the deaths of four Iowa soldiers since December.
  • The two most recent deaths occurred last weekend in a drone strike in Kuwait during the early stages of the US-Iran conflict.
  • In December, two other Iowa National Guard members were killed in Syria, which the US military blamed on the Islamic State group.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The Republican governor of Iowa who expressed grief over the loss of Iowa soldiers in the conflict with Iran and defended the US mission.

Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien

A 45-year-old soldier from Indianola, Iowa who was killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old soldier from West Des Moines, Iowa who was killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.

Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar

A 25-year-old Iowa National Guard member from Des Moines who was killed in Syria.

Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard

A 29-year-old Iowa National Guard member from Marshalltown who was killed in Syria.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in the mission right now. I think it was the right thing to do. Just look at what Iran has done over the last several years. Hopefully we're in and out. I believe that's the goal of this administration.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (ksgf.com)

“As you can imagine, they're heartbroken and as Iowans, we grieve with them.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (ksgf.com)

“His quiet strength and expertise protected countless systems and left a lasting impact on everyone privileged to work with him.”

— Aaron Warner, CEO, ProCircular (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The military has identified the other soldiers killed in Kuwait, and their families are grieving their loss. The governor said she spoke with the families of the fallen Iowans and expressed the state's condolences.

The takeaway

The deaths of Iowa soldiers in the conflict with Iran underscore the human toll of military action, even when leaders believe the mission is justified. Governor Reynolds' comments reflect the difficult balance of supporting the troops while also mourning their sacrifice.