Trump says 'we expect casualties' after U.S. strikes on Iran
Mar 2nd 2026
After joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that President Trump said killed Iran’s supreme leader, the U.S. reports three service members dead and five wounded, and Trump says more casualties are expected while touting the operation.
- U.S. Central Command says three U.S. service members were killed and five were wounded in strikes on Iran.
- The strikes were a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that President Trump said killed Iran’s supreme leader and multiple senior figures.
- Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the region.
- Trump told NBC News he expects further casualties and said the operation is ahead of schedule.
- Trump posted that U.S. forces destroyed nine Iranian naval ships and largely damaged Iran’s naval headquarters.
- He urged Iranian citizens to use the moment to try to take over their government and said some Iranian officials are in talks with the U.S.
- Lawmakers were divided, with most Republicans supporting the strikes and most Democrats criticizing the lack of congressional authorization.
- Congress is expected to vote this week on a war powers resolution that would require the president to seek approval for further military action in Iran.