As of March 1, 09:30 Eastern Time, three military personnel were killed and five sustained serious injuries during Operation "Epic Fury." Several others suffered minor injuries and concussions but will return to duty.
CENTCOM emphasized that hostilities are ongoing and the situation remains tense. The agency added that it would not disclose further information, including the names of the deceased, until 24 hours after notifying their families.
Operation "Epic Fury" was initiated on February 28 at the direction of President Donald Trump and is being conducted in conjunction with the Israeli operation "Lion's Roar." The strikes are targeting military facilities, command posts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and elements of the Iranian missile program. In particular, Tehran has been targeted, including the area of the presidential complex and the residences of high-ranking officials.
In response to U.S. actions, Iran conducted missile and drone strikes against Israel and American bases in countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier that same day, February 28, CENTCOM reported that Iran's retaliatory actions did not result in casualties among American troops, and the damage was minimal. This new statement marked the first confirmation of U.S. casualties since the operation began.
The operation is taking place amid the failure of negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. On February 26 in Geneva, Iran rejected U.S. demands to dismantle nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as well as to transfer enriched uranium stocks.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 201 people were killed and 747 were injured on the first day of hostilities. Reports indicate that one of the targets was a girls' primary school in the city of Minab, where, according to official data, the death toll exceeded 140 people.
