In a video statement posted to Truth Social, Donald Trump said, “There will likely be more” US casualties during operations in Iran as military activity in the region will continue until “all objectives” are achieved.
Trump said, “Combat operations continue in full force and will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” saying that “sadly, there will likely be more” US casualties, adding, “That’s the way it is.” “America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against civilisation,” he continued.
He added, “I once again urge the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death; it won’t be pretty.”
US Central Command earlier said three US service members have been killed in action and five “seriously wounded”.
Experts believe that for President Trump, each American casualty raises the stakes domestically.
Iranian officials said at least 153 people, including children, were killed after a strike hit a school, while in Israel, nine people have been killed after a missile strike in the city of Beit Shemesh, according to medical services.
After Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Sunday, Iran’s foreign minister said a new leader could be chosen in “a day or two”. During Iran’s retaliatory strike at targets across the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates said three people have so far been killed by Iranian attacks since yesterday, while in Kuwait, one person has reportedly been killed.
