U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that attacks against Iran will continue for the time being, and also warned that there will be more American casualties.
In a video posted on Truth.Social, Trump said “combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all our objectives are achieved.”
Trump confirmed that three U.S. service members had been killed in action, and said that there were likely to be more American casualties.
“Sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that’s the way it is,” Trump said. “But America will avenge their deaths.”
He maintained a harsh rhetoric against Iran, while also reiterating the U.S.’ support for Israel.
Trump claimed that the entirety of Iran’s military command was “gone,” and that many members wanted to surrender, “calling by the thousands.”
Trump’s comments come after the U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, killing hundreds across the country, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran had retaliated by launching missile and drone strikes against Israel and several surrounding Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran was also seen attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel in the region.
Renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran come after recent negotiations between the two countries, over Tehran’s nuclear program, were seen as largely inconclusive. Washington has repeatedly demanded that Iran cease all of its nuclear enrichment activities, and had last year struck several of Tehran’s key nuclear facilities.
Source: Investing