President Donald Trump vowed to avenge the deaths of U.S. service members killed during military operations against Iran, warning that more casualties were likely as the conflict intensified.

In a video posted to Truth Social on Sunday, Trump stated, "America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against us." He expressed grief for the fallen, calling them "true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice," while noting, "sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is." Trump also urged members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and military leadership to surrender for immunity or face "certain death."

The deaths marked the first U.S. casualties in Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign launched early Saturday, March 1, targeting Iran's nuclear program, Revolutionary Guard facilities, air defenses, naval assets, and senior leadership. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 48 other high-ranking officials, according to Trump. U.S. forces reported sinking nine Iranian ships and striking hundreds of targets.

The U.S. death toll has risen to six service members, with the Pentagon identifying four Army Reserve soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. They were killed on Sunday by an Iranian drone strike in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, about 68 miles from Iran. Eighteen others were seriously wounded in related incidents.

Trump addressed the losses in a phone interview with NBC News, saying, "We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end it's going to be a great deal for the world." He described the operation as "ahead of schedule" and indicated it could last four to five weeks, without ruling out ground troops if needed. On Monday, he reiterated that the campaign represented the "last best chance" to neutralize Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait, as well as Israel and Gulf allies. Strikes hit a U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh with minor damage, a tanker in Bahrain, and a Saudi refinery. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to "forcefully crush the enemy's bases." Iran reported 787 deaths from the U.S.-Israeli strikes.

As the war entered its second week, Trump planned to attend the dignified transfer of the six fallen soldiers' remains at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday. The U.S. has begun evacuating non-essential personnel from several Middle East bases amid rising tensions and economic fallout, including surging oil prices.