U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to continue military operations against Iran until “all objectives are achieved,” warning that more American troops could die as hostilities intensify across the Middle East.
In a video posted on his Truth Social account on Sunday, Trump described the campaign as a “righteous mission,” arguing that an Iran armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would pose a grave threat to the United States.
The remarks followed weekend strikes carried out by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials. Tehran has not publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding his death. U.S. officials have not released evidence to support claims that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons or intercontinental missile capabilities. Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear arms.
Trump confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed during Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the region. “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said, adding that further casualties were possible as operations continue.
The president signalled a shift away from earlier suggestions of diplomacy, instead calling for regime change in Tehran. He offered amnesty to members of Iran’s security forces who surrender and warned of severe consequences for those who resist.
Iran has announced an interim three-member leadership council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and senior cleric Alireza Arafi following Khamenei’s reported death.
The conflict has spread across the region. The U.S. Central Command confirmed American casualties and injuries, while regional governments reported missile and drone attacks targeting multiple countries, including Israel and several Gulf states. Casualty figures continue to rise.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it fired ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln, though U.S. officials reported no damage. Both sides have issued conflicting accounts of battlefield losses as tensions remain high and diplomatic prospects appear uncertain.
