3 US service members killed, 5 seriously wounded as strikes continue against Iran

At least three American service members have been killed and five more are seriously injured as U.S.-Israeli strikes continue against Iran. 

The Pentagon announced the deaths in a social media post Sunday morning. 

MORE: Live updates: Joint US - Israel military offensive Operation Epic Fury

American military members killed

What we know:

As of 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday, three American service members have been killed and five are seriously injured in Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. "Several others" were hurt by shrapnel and concussions, the military said Sunday. 

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U.S. Central Command shared the update on social media.

RELATED: US posts footage of Iran strikes, launch of Operation Epic Fury

What we don't know:

The Pentagon said it won't release the names of the service members who were killed until 24 hours after family members have been notified. It’s also unclear where the service members were killed and injured: Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on several U.S. military bases in neighboring Arab countries. 

What they're saying:

President Trump addressed the casualties in a phone interview with NBC News Sunday. 

"We expect casualties with something like this," he said. "We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world."

RELATED: Republicans join Democrats in effort to block Trump's military authority over Iran

Plumes of smoke rise over the skyline following explosions on March 1, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Operation Epic Fury

Big picture view:

The news comes as Operation Epic Fury enters its second day. Iran vowed revenge Sunday after the killing of its supreme leader and traded strikes with Israel as part of a widening war.

RELATED: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in strike

President Trump warns Iran against retaliation

Israel continues to carry out strikes against Iran as part of a massive joint military offensive with the U.S. known as "Operation Epic Fury." President Donald Trump warned Iran against retaliating following a series of attacks during which Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.

Iranian authorities say more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders. Earlier, Iran fired missiles at a list of targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states in retaliation, while Israel pledged "non-stop" strikes against Iran’s leaders and military.

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Click here for the latest updates on Operation Epic Fury.