Donald Trump vowed on Sunday to avenge the first US military deaths in the ongoing conflict with Iran, signalling that hostilities could continue for weeks after massive joint US-Israel strikes.
The Pentagon confirmed that three US service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the operation, codenamed “Epic Fury”. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said in a video address, warning Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and security forces to surrender or “face certain death”.
The strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and destroyed the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to US Central Command.
Iran retaliates across region
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states. In Israel, at least nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh, while earlier strikes near Tel Aviv also caused casualties. The United Arab Emirates confirmed three deaths following missile impacts, and Oman reported drone strikes at its Duqm port.
Maritime security agencies said three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared the strategic waterway closed, sending global oil prices sharply higher.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Khamenei’s killing as a “declaration of war against Muslims”, vowing retaliation. Senior official Ali Larijani warned that Iran would respond with unprecedented force.
Global reaction divided
While sections of the Iranian diaspora welcomed the supreme leader’s death, pro-government rallies in Tehran chanted “Death to America”. Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to an interim leadership council alongside Pezeshkian.
In the United States, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the strikes as a “reckless decision”, questioning the justification for pre-emptive action.
As the crisis deepens, fears of a prolonged regional war are mounting, with casualties rising on multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts appearing stalled.