Trump confirms US military deaths as Iran continues counterstrikes following Khamenei’s assassination

2026-03-02 - 03:43

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and the Pentagon have confirmed first military deaths as Iran continues counterstrikes on Israel and US allies following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation... We send our immense love & eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” the White House shared a statement of President Trump on X. “Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation... We send our immense love & eternal gratitude to the... https://t.co/AhuV4v3LGo — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 1, 2026 In a separate video message, Trump has vowed to take revenge of the US military deaths in the operation he launched for regime change in Iran. Following the Khamenei’s death, Iranian forces responded with missiles and drones hitting targets across the Middle East, causing deaths in Israel and the United Arab Emiratess. “I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military and police to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,” Trump said in a video statement. “It will be certain death. It won’t be pretty,” Trump said. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said. “But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization,” he said. Iran Says over 500 America Soldiers Killed The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that hundreds of US military officials were killed in counterstrikes on US bases across the region. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, firmly dismissed a warning from US President Donald Trump, who had cautioned Iran against retaliation or facing severe consequences. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s actions are in self-defense, amid escalating tensions. In his response to Trump’s remarks, Araghchi asserted that Iran holds a “legitimate right” to defend itself, calling the actions of the US an “act of aggression.” He further pointed out that there is a crucial distinction between starting a conflict and responding to one. Iran Fires Missiles on Israel As Iran continues to fire wave of missiles on Israel, various media reports have confirmed death of nine Israeli in city of Beit Shemesh. A huge number of people injured in the strikes.