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The U.S. military confirmed on Sunday that three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded during “Operation Epic Fury,” marking the first American casualties announced since the conflict began.
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), several other troops sustained minor injuries, including concussions and shrapnel wounds, but are expected to return to duty shortly.
The identities of the fallen soldiers are being withheld for 24 hours to allow for the notification of their families.
CENTCOM Update
TAMPA, Fla. – As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
The casualties occurred as the United States and Israel continued a massive bombardment campaign that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader on Saturday.
President Donald Trump has stated that the primary objective of the ongoing strikes is to destroy Iran’s military capacity systematically.
In retaliation, Iran has launched a series of missile barrages targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military installations across the Middle East, leading to intense combat operations that CENTCOM describes as “fluid.”
A significant point of contention emerged Sunday when Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had successfully struck the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles in the Gulf.
However, U.S. officials flatly denied these reports, asserting that the missiles did not come close to their target.
CENTCOM maintained that the carrier remains fully operational and continues to launch aircraft in support of the relentless military campaign against the Iranian regime.
🚫Iran’s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE.
✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by… pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
Despite the loss of life, the U.S. military has signalled no intention of scaling back its efforts.
Major combat operations are ongoing, with air and naval forces maintaining high-pressure strikes to eliminate what the administration calls imminent threats to American security.
The situation remains highly volatile as both sides exchange fire, and the international community watches for further escalation in the wake of these first confirmed American combat deaths.
