Three US service members have been killed during Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran, which saw Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed. According to a Central Command update, five others have also been seriously wounded.

The statement released on X goes on to read: “Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions – and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. 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.”

Earlier, CENTCOM said a Jamaran-class Iranian corvette had been hit by U.S. forces during the operation. The military added that the vessel was sinking in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM also issued a warning, saying: “As the President said, members of Iran’s armed forces, the IRGC and police must lay down your weapons. Abandon ship.”

These US service members are the first reported U.S. personnel casualties since the United States and Israel carried out aerial strikes against Iran on Saturday, which reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader.

Operation Epic Fury was launched as a coordinated U.S.-led strike campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including air defence systems, weapons facilities and command sites.

American officials said the aim was to weaken Iran’s ability to carry out further attacks in the region and to deter retaliation against U.S. and allied forces.

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During the opening wave of strikes, Iranian state television and regional outlets reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed after a site linked to senior leadership was hit.

Ayatollah Khamenei has led Iran since 1989 and holds ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and government, making him the most powerful figure in the Islamic Republic.

His reported death represents an unprecedented moment for Iran’s political system and could trigger a succession process overseen by the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing a new Supreme Leader.

The body is expected to convene to choose a successor, though the process could take time and may deepen political tensions inside the country.