3 U.S. service members killed in Iran conflict

https://www.axios.com/2026/03/01/us-troops-killed-iran-operation-epic-fury

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3 U.S. service members killed in Iran conflict

Andrew Pantazi

Crowd of mourners in Tehran streets holding pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian flags during mourning ceremonies after state media confirmed his death in U.S.-Israeli strikes. — Iranians mourn in Tehran after the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes that began Feb. 28, marking a dramatic escalation in the region. Photo: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

Three U.S. service members were killed in action and five more seriously wounded as part of the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, U.S. Central Command announced Sunday morning.

The big picture: The casualties are the first confirmed American combat deaths since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran Saturday. The confirmation comes as Iran retaliates with ballistic missiles and drones against U.S. bases and allies across the Middle East.

State of play: Several other troops sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and were being returned to duty, CENTCOM said in a statement as of 9:30 a.m. ET.

The military was withholding the identities of the dead until 24 hours after next of kin are notified.

Catch up quick: The strikes followed the collapse of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva last week.

Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at U.S. allies where American troops are stationed, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
More than 200 have died in Iran following U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, multiple news outlets reported.

What to watch: President Trump warned Saturday on Truth Social that bombing would "continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary."

This is breaking news.