Trump vows to 'avenge' the deaths of three US service members killed in Iran operation

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response after three American service members were killed in action amid the Iran operation. 

In his first public comments since the recent US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials, Trump signaled that the conflict could grow longer and more intense.

Trump mourns the loss of American service members

In a video posted on his Truth Social account, Donald Trump mourned the loss of American service members, calling their deaths the “ultimate sacrifice.” He said, "As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."

The commander-in-chief added, "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." Five additional US service members were reported "seriously wounded" as part of the operation. 

Speaking in a somber tone, Trump warned that the conflict may claim more lives before it ends. He vowed, "America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the te**orists who have waged war against basically civilization. Our resolve and likewise that of Israel has never been stronger."

Trump further condemned Khamenei, saying, "This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people all across many countries."

Trump says US forces destroyed nine Iranian ships within minutes

Trump shared that US forces carried out strikes on “hundreds of targets” inside Iran, including major facilities linked to the Revolutionary Guard, air defense systems, and naval equipment. He claimed American forces destroyed nine Iranian ships within minutes and said military operations would continue until all US goals are met.

He also issued a direct warning to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and military leaders, telling them to surrender in exchange for immunity or face what he described as certain death.

Before the strikes, the US had built up a large military presence in the region, something Trump previously called an “armada.” Spread across the Persian Gulf and nearby waters, the deployment signaled strong and deliberate pressure backed by significant firepower.

At the center of this presence are two aircraft carrier strike groups, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R Ford, each supported by guided-missile destroyers and cruisers capable of sustained air and missile operations. Defense officials say more than a dozen additional US warships are also operating in the region in supporting roles.

Iranian president speaks out after Ali Khamenei's death

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran has both the right and the duty to avenge the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and warned that Iran will strongly attack enemy bases.

Iran has already launched missile and drone attacks on US bases in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq. However, the United States Central Command said Iran did not successfully hit any American aircraft carriers, rejecting Tehran’s claims.

The tension has quickly spread beyond the Middle East. Anti-war protesters have taken to the streets in several US cities and tensions have increased around American embassies overseas. In Austin, authorities are investigating a recent shooting as a possible act of te**orism, raising fears that the violence could spill over into the US.

Federal and local law enforcement agencies have increased security as a precaution. Still, officials say they have not identified any specific or credible threats at this time.