Trump On Us Troop Casualties: ‘there Will Likely Be More’

President Donald Trump in a Sunday video posted to social media warned there will likely be more U.S. troops killed and wounded as part of the continued operation against Iran after three servicemembers were killed in the massive initial strikes.

“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. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more,” Trump said in the video, which was shared on Truth Social.

He added, “But we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case. But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization.”

U.S. Central Command announced the first American deaths in the conflict, which the Pentagon has dubbed Operation Epic Fury, earlier on Sunday and said five U.S. troops were “seriously wounded.” The Trump administration has made the case that it ordered the expansive and deadly strikes to prevent an urgent threat from Tehran, but it has yet to provide evidence that Iran had imminent plans.

The president said in the video, which is the second he has shared of himself speaking about the strikes since the first wave of attacks, said that operations will continue, defending the mission as “the duty and the burden of a free people.”

“We’re undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats.”

Trump called on members of the Iranian military and police force to “lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death” and called on “Iranian patriots” who want freedom to “be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back your country.”

Amid uncertainty about the level of support the U.S. military will commit to Iranians who might choose to rise up, Trump offered few specifics.

“The rest will be up to you, but we’ll be there to help,” the president said.

Nearly 36 hours after the U.S. strikes, the Pentagon has held no briefings, and the administration did not try to convince the Senate to authorize the war, leading to criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe will give a briefing to update House members on the situation in Iran on Tuesday, according to four people with direct knowledge of the meeting. They’ll also plan to meet with senators, according to two people familiar with the plans.