WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time on camera the deaths of three U.S. Service members killed during the ongoing military operation against Iran, while simultaneously warning of further American casualties. The announcement came Sunday as the U.S. And Israel continued a second day of strikes targeting Iranian military and government sites, following the confirmed killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, in Saturday’s airstrikes.
“Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. Military service members have been killed in action,” Trump said in a televised address. “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.”
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that five additional service members were “seriously wounded” in the operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” with several others sustaining minor injuries. The announcement, made Sunday morning, did not disclose the locations or circumstances of the casualties. Stars and Stripes reported details of the CENTCOM statement.
Trump’s address also included claims of significant military successes, stating that nine Iranian naval vessels had been sunk. He further asserted that “the entire military command is gone” in Iran, a claim that remains unverified by independent sources. He issued a stark warning to those who did not surrender, stating they would face “certain death.”
The joint U.S.-Israel operation, initiated Saturday, targeted military and government sites across Iran, according to officials. ABC News reported that the strikes were intended to remove Iran’s government from power. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. Bases, and several Gulf nations, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported Sunday that it had targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with four ballistic missiles, though a U.S. Official told Al Jazeera that the attack caused no damage. The USS Abraham Lincoln was reportedly in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Trump concluded his address with a direct appeal to the Iranian people, urging them to seize the opportunity for regime change. “Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.” This call echoes a similar sentiment expressed earlier, as reported by ABC7.
Despite Trump’s assurances of overwhelming force, he acknowledged the likelihood of further U.S. Casualties. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” he stated. “That’s the way it is — likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible.” The White House has not yet responded to requests for further details regarding the ongoing operation or the potential for escalation.