US will deliver 'most punishing blow' to Iran, as Trump vows to avenge 'patriots' killed in action

President Trump provided an update on the joint operation with Israel that has taken out the Iranian leadership.

He said that this is the "largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensive the world has ever seen".

Among those killed in the first wave of strikes was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was confirmed dead on Sunday morning, as well as former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that it has destroyed the headquarters of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), plus Mr Trump confirmed earlier on Sunday that nine naval ships used by the country have been sunk.

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Mr Trump said in a video shared on Truth Social: "Iran's formerly Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei is dead.

"This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people all across many countries.

"Last night, all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced.

"The entire military command is gone as well. And many of them want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They're calling by the thousands.

"Combat operations continue at this time in full force.

"And they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn't get there."

He used the speech to vow to "avenge" the three US service members who were killed in Kuwait, but said there will "likely" be more deaths before things end.

Five other US military personnel were injured in the joint operations across the Middle East, with the US confirming that several others suffered shrapnel wounds.

Mr Trump added: "As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

"Even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.

"We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.

"And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is, likely be more, but we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case.

"But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization."

Iran has said that 153 people were killed in a school strike on Saturday, as the IDF says it's "not aware" of an operation in the area amid suggestions that an Israeli missile was responsible.

Mr Trump urged the IRGC to lay down their arms or "face certain death".

He said: "For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan, death to America or Death to Israel or both.

"They are the world's number one state sponsor of terror.

"We are the world's greatest and most powerful nation, so we can do something about what they do.

"These intolerable threats will not continue any longer. I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death.

"It will be certain. Death won't be pretty."