President Donald Trump confirmed the first American casualties in Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israel campaign targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. Three service members were killed in Kuwait, with additional troops wounded, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Trump vowed to avenge their deaths and claimed major damage to Iran’s missile stockpiles and command structure, including the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Iran retaliates with missile strikes across the region, the White House signals both continued military pressure and potential openness to negotiations with new Iranian leadership.
Trump vows to avenge 3 US troops killed in Operation Epic Fury. He claims major damage to Iran’s military leadership and missile stockpiles, warns more casualties may come, and signals openness to talks amid escalating retaliation. #OperationEpicFury #Trump #US #Israel #Iran pic.twitter.com/PtSjRNeuP3
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) March 2, 2026
- President Donald J. Trump confirmed the first U.S. casualties in Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.
- Three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded in Kuwait while overseeing logistics; some reports indicate a possible fourth death.
- The operation began Saturday and has targeted Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, air defenses, and senior leadership.
- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reported killed during the strikes.
- In a Truth Social video address, Trump called the fallen troops “true American patriots” and vowed to “avenge their deaths” with “the most punishing blow to the terrorists.”
- Trump said roughly half of Iran’s missile stockpiles and air defenses have been destroyed and claimed Iran’s command structure is “gone,” with some forces seeking surrender or immunity.
- He warned more casualties are possible, stating, “that’s the way it is” in war, but emphasized minimizing losses.
- Trump reaffirmed strong U.S.-Israel unity: “Our resolve and likewise that of Israel has never been stronger.”
- Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes on U.S. bases, Israel (including Jerusalem), and Gulf states; Hezbollah has pledged confrontation.
- Trump signaled openness to talks with new Iranian leadership while maintaining maximum military pressure.
- The campaign could last “four weeks or less,” though the situation remains fluid with regional escalation and global market impacts.
