U.S. Central Command announced Sunday morning that three U.S. service members died in Operation Epic Fury.
“As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” U.S. Central Command stated.
“The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” it added.
CENTCOM Update
TAMPA, Fla. – As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
Fox News explained further:
The deaths mark the first American casualties reported in the conflict.
President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury on Saturday morning, eliminating Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as well as dozens of other senior Iranian leaders, including the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
ADVERTISEMENTThe joint military operation is expected to carry on for days. Officials tell Fox News that Israel is targeting Iranian leadership, while the U.S. is targeting military targets and ballistic missile sites that pose an “imminent threat.”
Trump warned on Sunday against Iranian retaliation over the U.S. and Israeli strikes. He said that if Iran were to “hit very hard,” they would be met with “a force that has never been seen before.”
Read some of the reactions below:
I grieve with and extend my deepest condolences to their families, and wish a full and quick recovery for the others.
They represent the absolute very best of us. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/wuz2myVErf
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 1, 2026
May God bless your patriotic and heroic souls. https://t.co/lG3DIsJuHL
— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) March 1, 2026
My God, these poor military members and their poor families. I’m sorry for them and praying for them.
This was absolutely unnecessary and is unacceptable.
Trump, Vance, Tulsi, and all of us campaigned on no more foreign wars and regime change.
Now, America soldiers are dead. https://t.co/Je3PNc9yZK— Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@FmrRepMTG) March 1, 2026
Heartfelt condolences to the families of the 3 US service members who have been killed & to those injured as part of Operation Epic Fury. May their memory be a blessing. https://t.co/Gq9B1xnQWc
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) March 1, 2026
This is devastating news. Our hearts and prayers are with their families. https://t.co/JGagKWJrY9
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) March 1, 2026
Freedom is never free. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/HzfZ9WIBgq
— Ambassador Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) March 1, 2026
3 US Service members have been killed in action as part of Operation Epic Fury.
American heroes. God bless them and their families. https://t.co/tgpckLY6q1
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) March 1, 2026
Axios has more:
Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at U.S. allies where American troops are stationed, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
More than 200 have died in Iran following U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, multiple news outlets reported.
President Trump warned Saturday on Truth Social that bombing would “continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary.”
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