President Donald Trump released a six-minute video message on Truth Social on Sunday, delivering his first address to the nation since announcing U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran early Saturday morning.
During the video, the president confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed in action and five others were injured.
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” Trump said. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”
Earlier Sunday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deaths. In his address, Trump honored the fallen and expressed support for their families.
A fourth U.S. servicemember has been killed in action as part of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command announced Monday.
The servicemember, who has yet to be identified, was among those seriously wounding during Iran’s initial counterattacks after the U.S. and Israel launched the operation on Saturday.
“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,” CENTCOM wrote on X. “Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” it added.
“Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. Military service members have been killed in action,” Trump said. “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,” he continued. “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.”
The president vowed a forceful response to those responsible.
“But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization. They have waged war against civilization itself,” Trump said.
Trump emphasized what he described as renewed American strength and resolve, aligning the U.S. and Israel in their shared objectives.
“Our resolve, and likewise that of Israel, has never been stronger. America is now again the richest, most powerful nation in the world by far,” he said. “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. An Iranian regime armed with long range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American.”
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In remarks published shortly before the video address, Trump told The Daily Mail that the military campaign — dubbed Operation Epic Fury — is expected to “take four weeks — or less.”
As U.S. strikes continued throughout the weekend, the president warned that operations would not slow.
“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” he reiterated. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”
Trump appeared to reference negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials that took place as recently as Thursday in Geneva, suggesting the conflict could have been avoided.
He also claimed that Iranian leaders “by the thousands” are attempting to contact the United States seeking immunity, though he did not provide additional details.
In a direct appeal to the Iranian people, Trump called on citizens to act in the wake of what he described as a weakened regime following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He pledged American support for those seeking change.
“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.
The president concluded by reaffirming that U.S. forces will continue operations at “full force” until mission objectives are met, underscoring what he characterized as a decisive effort to eliminate the threat posed by the Iranian regime.
