President Trump released a new video statement saying, “Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved.” He spoke after Operation Epic Fury, in which three American service members were killed, and praised the service members who lost their lives.
Trump defended the strikes as necessary and said the campaign would carry on. He acknowledged more casualties were “likely before it ends” but emphasized the goal of minimizing losses. In an interview referenced in his message, he described the operation as following a four‑week timeline.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton, appearing on Face the Nation, said he also expected further strikes but argued that large‑scale U.S. ground forces inside Iran were unlikely, saying the administration had no plan for such an invasion.
Senior U.S. officials told reporters they had seen indications that Iran had intended to employ ballistic missiles against American forces and regional partners. That assessment did not settle sharp partisan disputes in Washington: Democratic lawmakers pressed for more information, questioned whether Iran had posed an immediate threat, and criticized the administration for not seeking congressional authorization for the use of force. One Democratic lawmaker called the strikes “illegal,” saying the Constitution requires the president to seek Authorization for Use of Military Force from Congress.
Members of Congress were scheduled to receive classified briefings about the operation. Lawmakers on both sides expressed concern about what happens next after the killing of an Iranian leader, with some noting uncertainty about Iran’s internal dynamics and the possibility of escalation.
It also remained unclear whether diplomatic channels could reopen. Over the weekend the president posted further warnings on social media aimed at deterring Iranian retaliation. The administration said it would continue military operations until its stated objectives are met.
