Washington: President Donald Trump on Sunday declared that 48 senior Iranian leaders had been killed in sweeping U.S.–Israeli strikes, describing the operation as a decisive success and saying the campaign was progressing faster than expected.
Speaking in separate television interviews, Trump said the coordinated assault had dealt a crippling blow to Iran’s command structure. “Nobody can believe the success we’re having. Forty-eight leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly,” he said, portraying the offensive as both strategic and ahead of schedule.
The president asserted that the objective was to dismantle Iran’s leadership network and significantly weaken its military capacity. He maintained that the operation was unfolding in a “very positive way” and insisted it was being carried out in the interest of global security.
.@JacquiHeinrich: “Moments ago, I spoke with President Trump, who tells me he knows how many targets are left to hit… the president told me 48 Iranian leaders were wiped out in one shot, adding that Operation Epic Fury is moving along ‘rapidly.'” pic.twitter.com/I97hNf3Ebx
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 1, 2026
First US Casualties Announced
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, United States Central Command confirmed that American forces had suffered casualties in the escalating conflict. Three U.S. service members were reported killed, five seriously wounded, and several others injured.
The command also announced that U.S. forces had destroyed an Iranian naval vessel docked in the Gulf of Oman, marking a significant escalation at sea.
Hints of Possible Talks
Despite the intensifying military campaign, Trump indicated he was open to discussions with Tehran. He said he would “be talking” to Iranian leaders but declined to provide details on timing or participants. He also suggested that several figures previously involved in negotiations were no longer alive.
Referring to Iran’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump implied that recent strikes had dramatically altered the country’s political hierarchy.
“They should have done it sooner,” Trump said, arguing that diplomatic options had been available before the outbreak of hostilities.
As U.S. and Israeli forces press forward with operations, the conflict appears to be entering a more volatile phase — marked by heavy losses, heightened rhetoric, and uncertain prospects for dialogue.
