Iranian forces claim the US lost 200 soldiers after launching missile strikes on military bases throughout the Middle East, while Iranian military leaders threaten readiness to start a prolonged war.
On 1 March 2026, Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying the US suffered at least 200 casualties, both dead and wounded, after Iran fired missiles at multiple US bases in the Middle East in retaliation for joint US-Israeli attacks.
The report stated Iran's retaliatory targets included several US military bases: the 5th Fleet support center in Bahrain; bases in Iraqi Kurdistan; Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar; Ali Al Salem Base in Kuwait; Al Dhafra Base in the UAE; Muwaffaq Al Salti Base in Jordan; and Prince Sultan Base in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Israel launched a military operation in the early hours of Saturday, describing it as a "preemptive defensive strike" targeting military sites and infrastructure related to Iran's nuclear program, aiming to reduce threats from the Islamic Republic.
US President Donald Trump confirmed White House support for Israel, noting that the failure of nuclear negotiations was a key trigger leading to this operation.
IRGC General Ebrahim Jabbari warned that Iran possesses advanced capabilities and is ready for a prolonged war, stating that at the outset Iran will deploy all weapons in its arsenal and reveal previously unseen capabilities within the coming days.
Source: RT