President Donald Trump warned that Americans could face retaliatory attacks on U.S. soil as tensions with Iran escalate following recent U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
The president stressed the importance of vigilance and preparedness amid ongoing conflict.
In an interview for Time magazine on Thursday, correspondent Eric Cortellessa asked whether citizens should be concerned about attacks at home.
Trump, 79, replied, “I guess,” noting that officials regularly assess such risks. “We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things,” he said.
Trump also addressed the human cost of war.
“Like I said, some people will die,” he said. “When you go to war, some people will die.”
His remarks came shortly after a retaliatory drone strike killed six U.S. service members, underscoring the stakes of military engagement with Iran.
U.S. officials emphasize that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to counter Iranian-backed attacks across the region.
The Pentagon identified the fallen service members as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California.
Reports indicate more than 1,000 lives have been lost across the region due to the ongoing conflict, according to People.
Relief operations are ongoing.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reports that 1,009 emergency response teams have been deployed across 153 counties, providing critical aid to those affected by fighting.
U.S. military officials continue to monitor the situation while coordinating humanitarian support and assessing potential risks to American personnel abroad.
The Time interview coincided with renewed domestic security concerns after a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, which authorities say may indicate the potential for homegrown attacks inspired by foreign influence.
On March 1, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne opened fire at Buford’s Bar on West 6th Street, killing three, including himself, and injuring 14 others.
Authorities noted that Diagne was wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” over a shirt displaying the Iranian flag, raising questions about possible ideological motives.
FBI San Antonio Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said, “Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and then his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism.”
Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism, including from Massachussetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D), who called his statements “reckless.”
Administration officials maintain that U.S. homeland security remains strong and that federal agencies are actively monitoring potential threats from Iran, The Independent noted.
Analysts note that the president’s frank acknowledgment of potential casualties underscores the seriousness of U.S. military actions abroad and the importance of public awareness of ongoing risks.
Federal and local authorities continue coordinating with domestic and international partners to ensure security and deter possible attacks inspired by foreign conflict.
Investigations into potential retaliatory threats remain active. Officials continue reviewing intelligence and monitoring domestic and foreign incidents.
They are maintaining a robust, proactive security posture to protect Americans at home and abroad.
