President Donald Trump vowed to avenge the death of U.S. troops as he confirmed casualties following the launch of strikes against Iran.
In his first address to the nation since the start of Operation Epic Fury, Trump spoke on Sunday about the operation and confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed and five others injured, adding a warning that there will “likely be more” casualties.
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” Trump said in the update. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”
President Donald J. Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/Vte8QKpISn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 1, 2026
“Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. 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,” he continued.
U.S. Central Command posted an update Monday morning, noting that the number of deaths increased to four as a “fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries.”
CENTCOM Update
TAMPA, Fla. – As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries.
Major combat operations continue and our…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. 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 where that won’t be the case,” Trump pledged in his speech Sunday.
“But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization,” he vowed.
CENTCOM also reported that “three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.”
“During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” a press release read. “All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition.”
At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
The president said Sunday that the nation’s resolve “has never been stronger. ”
“America is now again the richest, most powerful nation in the world by far. But the only reason we enjoy the quality of life that we do, and the freedom and security as we have done, things that others are unable to do. But it’s because of warriors who are willing to lay down their lives, to do battle with our enemies, and they do battle better than anybody,” he said.
“An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” Trump emphasized.
Speaking with the New York Times on Sunday, the president spoke about the fallen troops.
“Three is three too many as far as I’m concerned,” Trump said.
“If you look at projections, they do projections, it could be quite a bit higher than that,” he added.
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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