India, March 1 -- Three American service members were killed and five others sustained serious injuries during the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.

These are the first confirmed American casualties following the significant military strikes initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday, which President Donald Trump stated were intended to effect a change in the nation's leadership.

"Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions - and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," U.S. Central Command confirmed in a statement posted on social media.

The Central Command has refused to share the ide...