Three United States service members have been killed and five others seriously injured during ongoing US military operations against Iran, the US military said on Sunday. These are the first confirmed US combat deaths since the latest escalation began.
The announcement came on the second day of coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets. The conflict has sharply intensified regional instability following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said several other troops suffered minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions, and are being returned to duty.
“Major combat operations continue, and our response effort is ongoing,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X. The military did not disclose details about how the troops were killed, citing operational and family considerations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have launched waves of drone and missile attacks on US and allied targets across the Middle East. On Sunday, Iranian state media claimed four ballistic missiles were fired at the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. CENTCOM said the carrier was not hit and continues operations.
These are the first US combat fatalities in major military actions ordered by President Donald Trump since his return to office last year.
Speaking earlier, Trump acknowledged the risk of casualties but said his administration had taken steps to protect US forces. “That often happens in war,” he said.
Meanwhile, US and Israeli strikes continued across Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on US assets in the region, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iranian officials have vowed further retaliation, warning that there are “no limits” to the country’s right to self-defence.
