India, March 13 -- At least four U.S. crew members aboard a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker died after the aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday.

Sharing details of the incident, CENTCOM said the aircraft went down at around 2 pm ET on March 12.

"Four of the six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed dead as rescue efforts continue," the statement said.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation.

The identities of the deceased crew members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, officials said.

Meanwhile, explosions were heard across central Tehran, Iran, on Friday as the country observed Quds Day.

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