‘That’s the way it is’: Trump concedes more Americans will likely die in Iran conflict

President Donald Trump described the three American military personnel killed during the conflict with Iran as “great people” in a Sunday interview with the Daily Mail.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported three service members were killed in action and at least five others were wounded as of 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday. Trump told the U.K.-based outlet there could be more casualties during Operation Epic Fury. That interview was initially published on Sunday before the president posted a six-minute address to Truth Social.

“They’re great people,” Trump said. “And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen … it could happen again.”

‘They’re great people,’President said. ‘And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous – it could happen again.’ ‘We’ve done pretty well,’ he noted, adding, ‘But they’re great people, with outstanding records,outstanding.’ https://t.co/969043kMBg

— T (@Rifleman4WVU) March 1, 2026

Trump noted the initial strikes claimed the lives of dozens of the Iranian regime’s top leaders, adding that it was the only real surprise of the operation so far.

“I think it’s going as per planned,” Trump said. “You know, other than we took out their entire leadership — far, far more than what we thought. Looks like 48.”

Trump also paid tribute to the fallen military personnel during his recorded remarks.

‘Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action,” Trump said during the speech. “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.”

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen, and, sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump continued. “It’s the way it is, [there will] likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

Trump confirmed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in a Saturday post hours after he announced the commencement of Operation Epic Fury. Iran responded by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones indiscriminately at targets in Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

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