RismadarVoice Reporters
March 1, 2026
President Donald Trump on Sunday said 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in ongoing US-Israeli bombardments, describing the military offensive as “very positive.”
“Nobody can believe the success we’re having; 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly,” Trump was quoted as saying in an interview with Fox News.
The president characterized the campaign, which was launched on Saturday, as a success, stating that it was aimed at removing the Islamic Republic’s leadership and dismantling its military capability. Iran has confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a separate interview with CNBC, Trump said the operation was progressing faster than anticipated.
“We’re doing our job not just for us but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule,” he said. “Things are evolving in a very positive way right now, a very positive way.”
However, shortly after the interviews were conducted, the US military confirmed its first casualties since the start of the conflict. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said three service members were killed, five seriously wounded, and several others sustained minor injuries.
CENTCOM also announced that US forces had sunk an Iranian warship at a dock in the Gulf of Oman as part of the ongoing operation.
The situation remains fluid as hostilities continue, with further updates expected from both Washington and Tehran.
