The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is in overall command of U.S. military operations against Iran, announced on the 1st (local time) that three U.S. soldiers had died and five had been seriously injured to date.

CENTCOM stated on X (formerly Twitter) that, "As of 9:30 AM Eastern Standard Time on March 1, three U.S. service members were killed and five were seriously injured during Operation 'Epic Fury' (anti-Iran attack operation)."

"Several others sustained minor shrapnel wounds and concussions and are currently undergoing the return-to-duty process," it added. "Major combat operations are continuing, and our response efforts are ongoing."

This is the first official announcement of U.S. military casualties since the United States and Israel launched a surprise military operation against Iran the previous day.

CENTCOM stated, "As the situation is fluid, and out of respect for the families, further information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, will be released 24 hours after notification of next of kin."

CENTCOM announces sinking of Iranian frigate [Screenshot from CENTCOM X account]

In a separate X post the same day, CENTCOM also wrote, "The Iranian Jamaran-class frigate was attacked by U.S. forces at the outset of Operation 'Epic Fury'," and "This vessel is currently sinking to the seabed of the Gulf of Oman off the Chabahar quay."

CENTCOM continued, "As the President has stated, Iranian military, IRGC, and police personnel must lay down their weapons. Surrender the ship."

In Iran, claims contrary to the U.S. announcement emerged.

According to INRA news agency, the IRGC stated in a release, "There were two ballistic missile attacks on the U.S. military base in Bahrain," and "Nearby U.S. military bases were also repeatedly attacked, and to date, 560 U.S. soldiers have been killed or injured."

The IRGC claimed that the U.S. Navy base at Ali Al Salem in Kuwait was completely disabled, and the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain also suffered severe damage from drone attacks.