US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that American casualties were possible after announcing that the United States had launched “major combat operations” against Iran
In an eight-minute video statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes were aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and “annihilating” its navy. He monitored the operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida alongside members of his national security team and spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the White House.
“My administration has taken every possible step to minimize the risk to US personnel in the region,” Trump said. “Even so … the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”
Operation Epic Fury
The US military has named the operation “Epic Fury,” the Pentagon confirmed on X. This marks the second round of US strikes on Iran since Trump returned to the White House last year. In June, Washington had targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Unlike the earlier strikes, Saturday’s operation is expected to last several days, according to a US official quoted by Reuters.
Nearly 12 hours after the announcement, the US Defense Department stated that it had “no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries,” adding that damage to installations was minimal and had not disrupted operations.
Congressional reactions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly briefed senior congressional leaders known as the “Gang of Eight” prior to the strikes.
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, said the administration should seek congressional authorisation for the use of force. However, Jeffries also emphasised the need to confront Iran over human rights violations and nuclear ambitions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said lawmakers had been briefed earlier in the week about potential military action.
While some European nations have urged a return to negotiations, several Republican lawmakers voiced strong support for the strikes.
Call to Iranian people
In his address, Trump urged members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to lay down their weapons, offering immunity. He also called on the Iranian public to “take over your government” once the military campaign concludes.
The strikes follow weeks of heightened tension over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, as well as ongoing protests within the country.
The situation remains fluid, with global leaders urging restraint amid fears of a wider regional conflict.