WASHINGTON, D.C. March 1, 2026 — President Donald J. Trump delivered a direct update Sunday on the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, declaring that Operation Epic Fury is progressing “ahead of schedule” and delivering decisive blows to the regime’s nuclear, missile, and naval capabilities.
In a video released via the official White House account on X, President Trump outlined major successes just 36 hours into the operation, which launched on February 28 in coordination with Israel.
Over the past 36 hours, Operation Epic Fury… one of the largest, most complex… Hundreds of targets [hit],” Trump stated, confirming the sinking of nine Iranian naval ships and the near-total degradation of Iran’s senior military leadership.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the strikes have crippled Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, air defenses, and proxy networks. Israeli officials stated that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening phase, along with dozens of top IRGC commanders.
Casualties Acknowledged
The update came hours after CENTCOM confirmed the first U.S. combat deaths: three American service members killed in action and five seriously wounded, with several others sustaining minor shrapnel and concussion injuries from Iranian retaliation.
President Trump addressed the losses candidly:
“Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s just the way it is.”
He vowed that the fallen heroes would be avenged and pledged to continue combat operations “until all of our objectives are achieved.”
Calls for Surrender and Regime Change
Trump urged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to surrender immediately, offering them safety if they lay down arms. He also directly addressed the Iranian people, declaring “the hour of your freedom is at hand” and encouraging them to rise up against the regime.
“Peace Through Strength”
The President framed Operation Epic Fury as a long-overdue response to 47 years of Iranian aggression, including attacks on U.S. personnel, sponsorship of global terrorism, and pursuit of nuclear weapons despite multiple rounds of failed negotiations.
“An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American,” he emphasized.
As of Sunday evening, major combat operations remain ongoing. The White House has announced congressional briefings for Tuesday involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in this rapidly evolving situation.
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