Trump Gives Update On Iran War, Says Saudis ‘Are Fighting’ Amid US Casualties

President Donald Trump spoke Sunday for the first the on US casualties of the war in Iran, confirming three American servicemembers were killed and offering a grim warning in a phone interview with the Daily Mail. He also revealed that he had spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia – who he implied will join the war effort – and Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan regarding the ongoing conflict.

“They’re great people,” Trump said of the fallen soldiers. “And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous — it could happen again.” The servicemembers have not been publicly identified.

Trump noted that the casualties mark the first in his second term, following prior operations such as the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the June strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which resulted in no American deaths. “We’ve done pretty well,” he said.

The president suggested that the fighting could continue for roughly four weeks. “It’s always been a four week process. 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,” he explained.

Trump acknowledged that the US and Israeli strikes had removed significant portions of Iran’s leadership. “No, I think it’s going as per planned. You know, other than we took out their entire leadership; far, far more than what we thought. Looks like 48,” he said.

The president remains open to further negotiations with Iran but did not specify a timeline. “They want to, they want to talk, but I said you should have talked last week not this week,” he said.

Trump spoke from his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he has been overseeing the campaign, and indicated he may address the American public again soon. He is expected back in Washington later Sunday.

He also confirmed discussions with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states about the conflict, noting that “they’re fighting, they’re fighting too,” in reference to potential regional involvement.

Trump has met with the families of the fallen servicemembers and said he may attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base or host the families at the White House. He expressed cautious optimism that the strikes could pave the way for a future democracy in Iran, saying, “It’ll be very interesting to watch. But a lot of things could happen and a lot of very positive things could happen.”