After First US Casualties, Trump Says He Expects More

Three U.S. service members were killed during a joint military operation targeting Iran, the United States Department of Defense announced Sunday. The deaths mark the first American casualties since the operation began Saturday.

In a video message Sunday afternoon, Donald Trump acknowledged the losses and cautioned that additional casualties are possible as the mission continues. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” he said, according to The New York Times. “That’s the way it is.”

Five other service members were reported seriously wounded, according to The Washington Post. United States Central Command stated on X that several additional troops sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are being treated and returned to duty.

The Pentagon did not release the names of the three service members killed, saying their identities will be made public 24 hours after next of kin are notified.

In the six-minute address, reported by Associated Press, President Trump described the fallen troops as “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” adding that combat operations will continue “in full force” until U.S. objectives are achieved. He did not detail those objectives.

According to figures cited by Axios from the Iranian Red Crescent Society, more than 200 people have been reported killed in Iran since the United States and Israel launched strikes.

Iran responded Sunday by firing ballistic missiles and drones at American bases and other targets across the Middle East. “Our response effort is ongoing,” a U.S. statement said, as reported by CBS News.

On Saturday, President Trump said his administration had taken extensive measures to reduce risks to U.S. personnel stationed in the region.