President Trump disclosed that the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran will continue for approximately four weeks total, marking the first combat deaths of American service members during his second term, as three troops were killed in action.

Four-Week Military Campaign Timeline

Trump told reporters the strikes are proceeding according to plan despite mounting casualties. “It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” the president stated. “As strong as it is, it’s a big country; it’ll take four weeks, or less.” The campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, aims to destroy Iran’s military infrastructure and missile stockpiles that threaten Israel and American interests throughout the Middle East region.

Three American service members were killed and five seriously wounded, making them the first US combat fatalities since Trump returned to office. His previous military actions, including strikes on Iran and the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, concluded without American casualties. The Pentagon withheld the identities of the fallen troops pending family notification. Trump acknowledged the grim reality ahead: “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more.”

Iran Strikes Back Across the Region

Iran launched retaliatory attacks, hitting multiple locations, including a strike in Beit Shemesh, Israel, that killed nine people. Shrapnel from Iranian missiles struck airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, killing one person and injuring several others. US Central Command confirmed major combat operations continue across the Middle East. Iran targeted American bases throughout the region following strikes that eliminated much of the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Call for Iranian Uprising

Trump issued a direct appeal to Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces to surrender and receive immunity or “face certain death.” He urged Iranian citizens to overthrow the current regime, declaring, “America is with you.” The president revealed Iran now seeks negotiations, but he rejected immediate talks. “They want to talk, but I said you should have talked last week, not this week,” Trump stated. He consulted with leaders from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan regarding the ongoing conflict. Trump pledged to meet with the families of the fallen service members at an appropriate time.