President Trump vows Iran will ‘pay many times over’ after US service members killed

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump has vowed a stronger military response following the deaths of three U.S. service members in Iran-related incidents over the weekend, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.

The Pentagon identified two of the fallen service members as 19-year-old Isabella Gonzales of Texas and 25-year-old Tyler Feehan of Hawaii, who were killed in Jordan during U.S. and partner forces’ defense against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. A third service member was killed in Iraq during the controlled detonation of an Iranian drone. These deaths bring the total number of U.S. service members killed in the conflict to 17.

Trump addressed the situation on social media Monday, stating, “Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over!”

He added that the directive has been passed to military leaders.

“We feel very badly, but you know those great people, those great patriots who are out there fighting, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

The White House announced that Trump will travel to Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday to attend the dignified transfer of the fallen U.S. service members.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the U.S. carried out its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, expanding its campaign to target bridges and power infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Iran’s president declared the country is in a “full-scale war” as its military attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

“As long as Iran insists on controlling an international waterway, we’re going to have to respond to that,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “I think we’re always open to diplomacy. It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they’re willing to live by.”

The conflict has also impacted global energy markets, with gas and oil prices rising. The national average for a gallon of regular gas has climbed to $4, compared to $3.14 a year ago. Brent crude oil prices exceeded $86 per barrel on Monday, as renewed fighting and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to pressure global energy supplies.

The State Department has issued a warning urging Americans worldwide, particularly those in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. The advisory warns that the conflict could escalate unexpectedly and that groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. interests or locations associated with Americans overseas. It also cautions about potential flight cancellations and airspace closures.