Trump acknowledges US deaths in Iran operation, says more are 'likely'
Trump acknowledges US deaths in Iran operation, says more are 'likely'
NICHOLAS KERR, MEGHAN MISTRY, FRITZ FARROW and SELINA WANGMon, March 2, 2026 at 12:17 AM UTC
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As President Donald Trump departed Mar-a-Lago for the White House Sunday afternoon, he posted a video on social media acknowledging for the first time on camera the deaths of three U.S. troops killed during the operation against Iran over the weekend.
The president said he was sending "our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen" before warning that more U.S. troops will "likely" be killed as the operation rages on.
"Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three US military service members have been killed in action. 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," Trump said.
"And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is -- likely be more, but we'll do everything possible. But that won't be the case. But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization," Trump added.
MORE: Iran live updates: Trump says there will 'likely' be more US casualties
Truth Social - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks on the strikes on Iran in a video posted to his social media site on March 1, 2026.
Trump did not offer a robust rationale for why the strikes were necessary now and has not spoken to the media since launching them early Saturday. No administration officials have appeared on TV to answer questions about Operation Epic Fury or pitch the administration’s reasoning for the strikes to the American people.
Trump started the speech by touting the nine Iranian naval vessels he said were sunk. He later noted that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was dead.
"We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems, just now, it was announced that we knocked out nine ships plus their naval building, all in a matter of literally minutes. Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead."
The president also said that Iran's military leadership is "gone."
"The entire military command is gone as well, and many of them want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They're calling by the thousands," Trump said.
Later in the speech, Trump warned again that those who did not surrender would face "certain death."
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"I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military and police to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death, won't be pretty," he said.
Trump opened his message by calling Operation Epic Fury "one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offense the world has ever seen" and offering details on the operation.
Matt Rourke/AP - PHOTO: Donald Trump
"We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems, just now was announced that we knocked out nine ships plus their naval building, all in a matter of literally minutes. Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei is dead."
The president again framed the operation as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and said Iran fosters "terrorist armies" set on harming the United States.
"An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American. We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons would allow them to extort the world to their evil will. Not going to let it happen. We're not happening to us, and we're not going to let it happen to others."
He later added, "These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats."
And as the U.S. has continued to strike Iran over the weekend, Trump warned that combat will continue at "full force" until "all of our objectives are achieved." The president also claimed that the operation could have been stopped two weeks ago, alluding to negotiations between the U.S. and Iran that were taking place as recently as Thursday in Geneva.
"Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn't get there," he said.
MORE: Iranian foreign minister: 'We are defending ourselves'
Trump also called for the Iranian people to take advantage of the weakened government structure after Khamenei's death, and vowed that the U.S. will "be there to help" them.
"I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you. We'll be there to help," Trump said.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
