USA-Israel Attack on Iran: US Confirms 3 Soldiers Killed in Operation Epic Fury, 5 Others ‘Seriously Wounded’

Three U.S. service members were killed during combat missions against Iran, U.S. Central Command confirmed on Sunday, reported Military Times. In addition to the fatalities, five personnel have been classified as “seriously wounded.” CENTCOM further stated that several other troops suffered minor shrapnel wounds and concussions and are currently undergoing procedures to return to active duty, reported Military Times. The announcement marks the first confirmed American casualties since the escalation of hostilities between Washington and Tehran intensified over the weekend.

The casualties occurred after Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military facilities across the Middle East on Saturday, reported Military Times. The attacks followed a coordinated U.S. and Israeli offensive involving air, land, and sea forces against the Islamic Republic. The joint military campaign was named Operation Epic Fury. Despite early indications suggesting no American casualties, subsequent updates confirmed the deaths and injuries, though specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding the fallen service members have not yet been disclosed, reported Military Times.

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“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” the statement read, reported Military Times. According to CENTCOM officials, the coordinated assault began at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday with the objective of dismantling “the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat.” The military action was described as a strategic effort aimed at neutralizing infrastructure believed to be directly involved in planning or supporting hostile operations against U.S. interests and allied forces in the region.

Key objectives in the operation included command and control centers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian air defense systems, missile and drone launch facilities, and military airfields, reported Military Times. The compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also struck during the offensive. A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei was killed in the strike. President Donald Trump later confirmed in a Truth Social post on Saturday that Khamenei was killed in the attack, calling the moment “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” At least 201 people have been killed and more than 700 injured across Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Officials stated that the names of the U.S. service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after their families have been formally notified, reported Military Times. Authorities emphasized that casualty notification protocols are being strictly followed. Meanwhile, military operations in the region remain active, with response measures continuing amid heightened tensions. Further details are expected to be released as the situation develops and more verified information becomes available, reported Military Times.