This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows an F/A-18E Super Hornet preparing to launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Credit - U.S. Navy via Associated Press
Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded while taking part in the joint U.S.-Israeliattack on Iran, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.
They are the first reported American casualties since the United States and Israel launched major military strikes against Iran on Saturday, which President Donald Trump said was aimed at bringing abouta change in the country's leadership.
"Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," U.S. Central Command said in astatementposted on social media.
"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified," the statement added.
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The announcement came as Iran has launched a barrage of retaliatory missile strikes at U.S. bases across the Middle East over the past 48 hours.
Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, said at least 201 people had been killed and more than 700 injured across Iran by U.S. and Israeli bombing.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for more than three decades, was killed in the opening salvo of the campaign.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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