Thirty-six hours after the United States military launched strikes against the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Donald Trump issued a video update Sunday on Operation Epic Fury from his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The strike launched at 1:15 a.m. EST, targeting Iranian security infrastructure and other assets which posed a threat to the operation. Israel also launched Operation Lion’s Roar, which ultimately killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in addition to dozens of other Iranian leaders.
Operation Epic Fury: The first 24 hours pic.twitter.com/VRcoc5G1Hd
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed more than 1,000 Americans over the past 47 years. Yesterday, a large-scale U.S. strike cut off the head of the snake. America has the most powerful military on earth, and the IRGC no longer has a headquarters. pic.twitter.com/WdpN7JBECr
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
“Last night, all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced,” Trump said in the six-minute recorded address. “The entire military command is gone as well. And many of them want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They’re calling by the thousands.”
The president characterized Operation Epic Fury as “one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen.” The allied militaries struck “hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems,” and “nine ships plus their naval base, all in a matter of literally minutes.”
First 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury:
“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” – Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander pic.twitter.com/McrC7xeM0A
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
Three service members were killed, in addition to five seriously wounded, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday morning.
The commander in chief vowed the U.S. would “avenge” those killed in action and “deliver the most punishing blow” to the Iranian regime.
Last night, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, struck Iran’s hardened ballistic missile facilities. No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve. pic.twitter.com/6JpG73lHYW
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump said. “We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more.”
“We’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case, but America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization.”
The president also defended the joint strikes, declaring the U.S. was “undertaking a massive operation, not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children.”
“This is the duty and burden of a free people,” he reflected. “These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime, armed with nuclear weapons.”
“For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan ‘Death to America’ or ‘Death to Israel’ or both. They are the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” Trump added. “These intolerable threats will not continue any longer.”
The Iranian regime’s reckless use and proliferation of ballistic missiles have been a dangerous threat for decades. Now, at the President’s direction, U.S. forces are eliminating the threat. pic.twitter.com/zTsqjwVCMO
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026
“Combat operations continue in full force and will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” he stated.
Turning to the remaining authorites in Iran, Trump urged “the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death, it won’t be pretty.”
The president then made another appeal to the Iranian people, urging regime change.
“I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave,” he said. “Be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you.”
“I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we’ll be there to help,” the president concluded. “Thank you. God bless you, to our incredible warriors, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.”
Trump shortly thereafter boarded Air Force One to return to the White House.
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