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US President Donald Trump described the weekend strikes on Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, as 'one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen.'
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 2, 2026 06:00 IST
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that American combat operations in Iran remain underway "in full force" and will continue until Washington meets what he described as "very strong objectives," signalling no immediate pause in the expanding conflict.
In a video message posted on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that three US service members had been killed and warned that more casualties were possible as the campaign progresses.
"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," Trump said.
'ONE OF THE LARGEST OFFENSIVE EVER SEEN'
Trump described the weekend strikes on Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, as "one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen."
According to the president, US forces struck hundreds of targets across Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities and air defence systems. He claimed that nine Iranian ships and related naval infrastructure were destroyed "in a matter of literally minutes."
Noting that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is dead, Trump said Iran's "entire military command is gone as well." He even claimed that some Iranian officials are seeking clemency.
"They want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They’re calling by the thousands," he said.
AMERICAN CASUALTIES CONFIRMED
Earlier in the day, US Central Command announced that three American service members were killed in action and five seriously wounded. Trump said the nation was grieving the loss of "true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice."
"And sadly, there will likely be more," he added. "But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization."
TRUMP REITERATES NUCLEAR NARRATIVE
Trump framed the ongoing military campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and long-range missile capabilities.
"An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American," he said. "We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons."
He urged members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and security forces to lay down their arms, offering "full immunity" while warning of "certain death" if they continued fighting.
"I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment," Trump said. "Be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you."
As fighting intensifies, Trump’s message signals that Washington is preparing for a prolonged confrontation, even as concerns mount over regional stability and the risk of wider escalation.
- Ends
(With inputs from agencies)
Published On:
Mar 2, 2026 06:00 IST
