As President Donald Trump departed Mar-a-Lago for the White House Sunday afternoon, he posted a video on social media acknowledging for the first time on camera the deaths of three U.S. troops killed during the operation against Iran over the weekend.
The president said he was sending "our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen" before warning that more U.S. troops will "likely" be killed as the operation rages on.
"Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three US military service members have been killed in action. 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, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen," Trump said.
"And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is -- likely be more, but we'll do everything possible. But 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," Trump added.
MORE: Iran live updates: Trump says there will 'likely' be more US casualtiesTrump also called for the Iranian people to take advantage of the weakened government structure after Khamenei's death, and vowed that the U.S. will "be there to help" them.
"I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, 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. We'll be there to help," Trump said.