President Donald Trump predicted on Sunday that more American service members will die during the U.S. military operation against Iran.
“Sadly there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said in a video address. “That’s the way it is. Likely be more.”
His comments follow U.S. Central Command’s announcement that three U.S. soldiers have died in the operation targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Five others were seriously wounded, while “several others” sustained minor injuries and concussions.
Trump said he will do “everything possible” to avoid any further deaths, mourning the losses.
“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” he said. “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.”
But he also signaled the mission, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” will not slow down. In his address, Trump said it will continue “in full force” and “until all of our objectives are achieved.”
That comes after he revealed that the mission will last four weeks.
“We figured it will be four weeks or so. It’s always been about a four-week process. So, as strong as it is, it’s a big country, it’ll take four weeks or less,” Trump told the Daily Mail earlier on Sunday.
Trump largely reiterated his red lines in the address, maintaining that the mission is necessary to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
“These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats,” he said.
IRAN OPERATION TO LAST FOUR WEEKS, TRUMP SAYS
Trump also concluded the 6-minute speech by repeating his call for the Iranian people to determine their own fate, telling them to “take back” Iran.
“America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, and we’ll be there to help,” he said.