During the United States' military operation against Iran, three U.S. service members were killed and five were seriously wounded, it was confirmed. These are the first officially announced U.S. military casualties since the clash.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. strikes against Iran, said on X on Mar. 1 local time that as of 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on Mar. 1, three U.S. service members were killed in action and five were seriously injured in Operation "Epic Fury."
It added, "Several others suffered minor shrapnel wounds and concussions and are currently in the process of returning," and said, "Major combat operations are ongoing and response efforts are underway."
CENTCOM added, "Given the fluid situation, we will not release additional information such as identities until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification."
In another post, CENTCOM said an Iranian Navy Jamaran-class frigate came under U.S. attack at the outset of the operation and is sinking to the seabed near the port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman.
It also warned, "Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as police personnel, must lay down their arms," and, "Abandon the vessel."