Three US servicemen were killed and five others were seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury that the United States launched against Iran, which ultimately led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said US Central Command on Sunday.
Several other service members who have sustained minor shrapnel injuries are in the process of being returned to duty, it added.
"Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," the US Central Command posted on X. "The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified."
Israel Attacks Iran LIVE Updates: 'Killed 40 Iranian commanders in just 1 minute,' claims Israel
With the situation escalating in the Gulf, Iran has intensified its attack on US bases. On Sunday, it claimed it has targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. However, the US Central Command has rejected the claims and said the Lincoln was not hit by the Iranian ballistic missiles.
"The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close," the US Central Command said on X.
Iran's warning and Israel's counter-warning
Iran has warned that it would continue its military operation in the region against US bases. It has also struck Israel, and killed at least 10 people following its strike in Beit Shemesh.
Iran has said it wants peace in the region, and thereby, it is only targeting US bases in the region. This includes bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Iran has also targeted the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leaving at least three people dead and injuring more than 50 others. In Dubai, the international airport has remained shut since Saturday, while iconic Burj Khalifa was also evacuated amid fears of Iranian strikes.
Israel has now warned of more strikes against Iran. On Sunday, it launched multiple attacks on Iran's Basij forces headquarters and the Tabriz airport, destroying at least two fighter jets - F-5 and F-4 - of the Iranian Air Force. Iran has said it would continue striking the Iranian regime, which it said is responsible for the killing of thousands of people in the region.
US President Donald Trump has also warned Iran against an escalation. Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has held an emergency meeting and called for a de-escalation.
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