President Trump released a video statement after U.S. Central Command confirmed that three U.S. service members died in Operation Epic Fury. U.S. Central Command Says Three American Service Members K*lled In Operation Epic Fury "As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives. We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen," Trump said. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more, but we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case," Trump continued. “But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization," he added. Check it out: JUST IN: President Trump says there “will likely be more” American casualties in the war against Iran. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more, but we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case.” “But America will… pic.twitter.com/Sym0ESaQZq — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 1, 2026 CBS News has more: Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the president said, "Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved." "We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn't get there," Mr. Trump said, referring to negotiations on Iran's nuclear program that were ongoing when the strikes against the country began. "An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American," the president said. Mr. Trump has signaled he was willing to talk to new Iranian leadership, telling The Atlantic during a phone call earlier Sunday, "They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long." "We expect casualties with something like this. We have three, but we expect casualties - but in the end it's going to be a great deal for the world," Trump said, according to NBC News. BREAKING: President Trump after 3 US troops killed during the Iran conflict, "We expect casualties with something like this." pic.twitter.com/8d4WYKbI9R — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 1, 2026 CNN noted: Iranians are grappling with a profound shift in the nation’s history after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in Saturday’s joint US-Israel attacks. Tehran formed a transitional council and has indicated a new supreme leader could be chosen soon. Fighting continued Sunday, with Israeli strikes “in the heart of Tehran” and fresh Iranian attacks. CNN is mapping the targets. The waves of violence have disrupted travel, rocked metropolitan areas and hindered the flow of oil through a vital shipping lane.