Donald Trump has claimed significant success in the ongoing US-Israel military offensive against Iran, stating that 48 Iranian leaders were killed in coordinated bombardments launched over the weekend.

Speaking in separate interviews with Fox News and CNBC on Sunday, Trump described the operation as “very positive” and ahead of schedule.

“Nobody can believe the success we’re having; 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly,” he said.

The offensive, which began on Saturday, was reportedly aimed at dismantling Iran’s military command structure and removing the leadership of the Islamic Republic. Iranian authorities have confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following strikes in the capital, Tehran.

“We’re doing our job not just for us but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule,” Trump added in the CNBC interview.

The US military later confirmed its first casualties since the start of the conflict. 

In a statement, the US Central Command, known as United States Central Command (CENTCOM), announced that three American service members were killed, five seriously wounded, and several others sustained minor injuries.

CENTCOM also disclosed that US forces had sunk an Iranian warship docked in the Gulf of Oman as part of the ongoing operation.

The situation remains fluid as both sides assess the impact of the strikes, raising concerns about broader regional escalation.