Operation Epic Fury has resulted so far in 3 American soldiers dead and 5 seriously injured.
The deaths were confirmed in a statement from the United States Central Command (Centcom), which did not provide further details.
"Several others suffered minor injuries from shrapnel and concussions and are in the process of returning to service. Significant combat operations continue, and our response effort is ongoing," the statement reads.
The identities of the deceased will not be disclosed for 24 hours out of respect for the families, they add.
Trump threatens with unprecedented strength
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, threatened on Sunday to strike Iran with “an unprecedented force” if Tehran follows through on its promise to launch a “historic offensive” against the U.S. and Israel in retaliation for the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
EFE reported that the Iranian regime confirmed the death of the supreme leader following a joint military operation carried out on Saturday by U.S. and Israeli forces against strategic targets in Tehran and other cities.
Trump warns Tehran
Through his social network Truth Social, Trump responded to the threats issued by Iranian authorities in recent hours.
"Iran has just stated that it will attack with great strength today, more force than ever before. However, it would be better for them not to do so, because if they do, we will strike them with an unprecedented force," wrote the leader.
In another message posted on Saturday, after confirming Jamenei's death, Trump stated: "Jamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the Iranian people but also for all the great Americans and people from many countries around the world who have been killed or mutilated by Jamenei and his band of bloodthirsty thugs."
The U.S. president also called on the Iranian people to "take back" their country after decades under the ayatollahs' regime.
Iran promises revenge and launches attacks
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced attacks on 27 U.S. military bases in the Middle East and targets in Israel, including Tel Aviv. The offensive aims to avenge the death of the supreme leader.
Explosions have been reported in Doha, Kuwait, and Dubai, while the Qatari Ministry of Defense stated it has intercepted up to 18 ballistic missiles directed at its territory.
The president of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated: "We will take revenge on the Americans and Israelis." He warned that they will deliver blows "so terrible that they will beg for mercy."
Impact of the U.S. and Israel Offensive
The joint military operation on Saturday targeted strategic facilities in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan.
In addition to Jamenei, Iran confirmed the death of the Chief of Staff, Abdorrahim Musavi; the Minister of Defense, Aziz Nasirzadeh; the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Mohammad Pakpur; and the senior advisor Ali Shamjani.
The attacks have resulted in over 200 deaths, according to the Red Crescent, and prompted the temporary closure of airspace in several countries in the Persian Gulf, impacting major international airport hubs.
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