WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended the ongoing American military campaign against Iran, framing it as essential to long-term national security, while cautioning the public to expect further casualties after three US service members were killed.
“Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said in a video message posted on his Truth Social platform, responding to confirmation of the troop deaths.
The president said the United States would “avenge their deaths,” describing the campaign as a necessary step to counter what he called a hostile and destabilising regime. The remarks come amid growing concerns over the human cost of a widening conflict that has already claimed lives on multiple sides.
Timeline and Scope of Operations
President Donald J. Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/Vte8QKpISn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 1, 2026
Trump suggested the conflict could extend for several weeks.
“It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” he told Britain’s Daily Mail.
In separate interviews with US media outlets, Trump described the campaign as progressing rapidly, claiming significant damage had been inflicted on Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. Independent verification of such claims remains limited due to restricted access and the fog of war.
The US president has not delivered a formal Oval Office address since hostilities began but has issued video statements and spoken to selected media organisations. Senior administration officials are expected to brief the US Congress on Tuesday to justify the legal and strategic basis for the operation.
Naval Engagements and Military Claims
Trump also stated that US forces had destroyed or sunk nine Iranian naval vessels and targeted naval command facilities.
“I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships,” he wrote, adding that operations were ongoing.
Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the scale of losses described by Washington. Independent analysts caution that battlefield claims from both sides should be treated carefully until corroborated.
Diplomatic Signals Amid Escalation
Despite the intensifying military exchanges, Trump indicated that diplomatic channels may remain open. In remarks cited by The Atlantic magazine, he said Iranian leaders “want to talk” and that he had agreed to discussions, though he added that “most of those people are gone,” referencing reported leadership losses.
In an interview with CNBC, Trump maintained that the United States was acting “not just for us but for the world,” while acknowledging expectations of additional casualties.
The conflict, which escalated sharply over the weekend, has heightened fears of broader regional instability. Beyond military targets, analysts warn that prolonged hostilities risk severe humanitarian consequences across the region, including displacement, infrastructure damage, and civilian suffering.
As the situation develops, attention is shifting to whether diplomatic engagement can prevent further escalation — and how many more lives may be lost before a political solution is pursued.
