Three U.S. Troops Killed, Five Seriously Wounded in Iran Attacks

Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded while taking part in the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.

They are the first reported casualties since the United States and Israel launched major military strikes against Iran on Saturday, which President Donald Trump said was aimed at bringing about a change in the country's leadership.

“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” U.S. Central Command said in a statement posted on social media. 

“The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” the statement added. 

Read more: Does Trump Have the Legal Authority to Strike Iran? An Expert Explains

The announcement came as Iran has launched a barrage of retaliatory missile strikes at U.S. bases across the Middle East over the past 48 hours.

Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, said at least 201 people had been killed and more than 700 injured across Iran by U.S. and Israeli bombing.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for more than three decades, was killed in the opening salvo of the campaign.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.