U.S.-Israeli Strikes in Iran Extend Into Second Day

In a tense escalation marking the ongoing conflict in the region, significant military actions have sparked widespread concern. With rising casualties and bold statements from leaders, the situation remains highly volatile and continues to capture global attention.

AMMAN, Jordan and WASHINGTON — President Trump announced that more U.S. service members may face casualties in the ongoing conflict against Iran, following the Pentagon’s confirmation of three U.S. service member deaths and at least five serious injuries.

In a statement uploaded online on Sunday afternoon, Trump expressed condolences for the fallen service members, labeling them “true American patriots” who sacrificed their lives for their country. He acknowledged the likelihood of further casualties as operations unfold, asserting that America’s mission is just.

Speaking from a podium adorned with the presidential seal, Trump emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to avenging the deaths, claiming Iran is waging war “against civilization.” His remarks were shared on Truth Social.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the casualties on Sunday, marking the first American losses since the commencement of U.S. and Israeli strikes over the weekend.

A U.S. official, who requested anonymity, relayed to NPR that the deceased service members were ground forces positioned in Kuwait. The military reported that several other personnel sustained what were categorized as “minor” shrapnel injuries and concussions while returning to duty.

As the U.S. military elaborated on “Operation Epic Fury,” Central Command disclosed that an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette had been targeted, resulting in damage severe enough to sink the vessel in a port in the Gulf of Oman.

Additionally, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, equipped with 2,000-pound bombs, struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities on Saturday night, leading to over 1,000 targeted strikes, according to CENTCOM.

Trump also claimed that U.S. forces sank nine Iranian naval vessels and “largely obliterated” Iran’s naval headquarters, though U.S. Central Command refrained from confirming these assertions.

Despite the ongoing military actions, Trump warned of additional strikes ahead, declaring, “We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea!” on Truth Social.

The latest military updates came amidst expanding conflicts across the region. Israel initiated new attacks in Iran on Sunday, with explosions reported in Tehran. The Israeli military stated its actions were aimed at targets connected to “the Iranian terror regime,” asserting a strong intent to establish aerial dominance.

Iran’s state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, allegedly killed in airstrikes targeting his office. In a tearful announcement, state broadcasters shared the news. Khamenei had risen to prominence following the 1989 death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran’s Islamic revolution.

The Israeli military claimed responsibility for a large-scale operation that targeted Khamenei at what they identified as a significant command center in Tehran.

Iran appoints temporary leadership council

Following Khamenei’s death, Iran announced the formation of a three-person temporary leadership council to oversee the country under Islamic law until a new supreme leader is chosen by a panel of Shia clerics.

Trump indicated that potential new leadership in Iran had expressed a desire to engage in dialogue and noted his willingness to converse with them at an unspecified future time.

Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, informed NPR that 158 students had perished in an attack on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. He claimed that some remain trapped under debris and accused the U.S. of targeting hospitals in Tehran during strikes.

Iran has blamed Israel for the incident, but the Israeli military stated it was not conducting operations in the vicinity. Capt. Tim Hawkins from Central Command announced that the U.S. was aware of civilian casualties and that it was investigating reported incidents.

Hawkins confirmed the U.S.’s commitment to civilian protection and reiterated that unlike Iran, the U.S. has never targeted civilians.

In response to Khamenei’s death, citizens across Tehran congregated in public spaces to commemorate what they deemed a martyrdom. Videos from the southwestern city of Yasuj depicted large gatherings chanting in honor of Khamenei’s legacy, though NPR could not verify the accuracy of the footage.

A local resident, under the pseudonym Roxana, shared concerns for safety due to past protests and reported witnessing violence against friends during celebrations of Khamenei’s death.

Amid this turmoil, security heightened across the Middle East with air defenses activated. Iraq, home to Iran-backed paramilitaries, reported barricades in front of the Green Zone to safeguard U.S. and other embassies against any potential threats.

Residents of Jordan, where major U.S. military bases are located, witnessed air raid alarms and reported missile interceptions.

The Gulf region, often regarded as a sanctuary for expatriates, faced unprecedented challenges as Iran launched attacks targeting luxury accommodations and high-rises believed to house U.S. personnel. Videos circulating on social media depicted drones striking prominent buildings, overshadowing the typical winter snapshot lifestyle often showcased from Dubai.

The attacks disrupted operations at significant Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai International Airport, a primary global hub, sustaining damage from the strikes. Other airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait faced similar fates.

Iran vows to fight “foreign aggression, foreign domination”

Iran has threatened a substantial wave of counterattacks against both Israel and U.S. military installations, declaring an intent to engage on all fronts. In a bold assertion, the Iranian Ministry of Defense stated, “There will be no mercy or forgiveness in taking revenge for the leader.”

Baghaei reiterated Iran’s stance against perceived foreign aggression, framing the conflict as an unjust war imposed on their nation.

Commenting on the casualties of U.S. personnel, Baghaei distinguished between the American populace and the current U.S. administration, stating, “We have no problem with the American people. And we believe that this is not their war. This is the U.S. administration’s war of choice.”

In Israel, reports indicate at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries stemming from an Iranian missile strike near Jerusalem.

The OPEC consortium convened to discuss measures to increase production to prevent significant spikes in oil prices amidst the conflict’s ramifications on Gulf supplies.

Trump cautionarily warned Iran against escalation, assuring that if tensions intensified, the U.S. response would be unprecedented. He also noted that military endeavors in Iran were proceeding ahead of planned schedules.

Trump emphasized the urgency of their operations, stating, “We’re doing our job not just for us but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule.”

Daniel Estrin contributed to this report from Tel Aviv. Carrie Kahn contributed to this report from Istanbul.

Key Takeaways

• Trump warns of potential further U.S. casualties in the conflict with Iran.
• The Pentagon confirmed three U.S. service member deaths and several injuries.
• Israel has significantly escalated its military actions in Iran.
• The Iranian leadership is temporarily managed by a newly appointed council.
• Security has been heightened across the Middle East, particularly in sensitive regions.
• Trump emphasizes the ongoing military efforts are on schedule and aim to conclude decisively.

FAQ

What prompted the recent military actions in Iran?

The U.S. and Israel initiated strikes targeting Iranian military assets, following rising tensions in the region.

Who are the casualties in the conflict?

According to the Pentagon, three U.S. service members were killed, and several others were injured during operations in the region.

How has Iran responded to the attacks?

Iran has vowed to retaliate, promising significant counterattacks against both U.S. and Israeli positions.