Trump addresses US casualties in Iranian conflict, says there will 'likely be more'

Over the past 36 hours, the United States and its partners have launched Operation Epic Fury

one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen

Nobody's seen anything like it. We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including

Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems. Just now, it was announced

that we knocked out nine ships plus their naval building, all in a matter of literally minutes

Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead. This wretched and vile man

had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for

the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people all across many countries

Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in

action. 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. 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. They have waged war against civilization itself

An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American

We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons

would allow them to extort the world to their evil will. We're not going to let it happen

I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military, police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death

It will be certain death. Won't be pretty. I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country

America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise

The rest will be up to you