In a six-minute video clip posted to his social media platform Truth Social, he said, "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."
The comment comes after a surprise joint airstrike by the U.S. and Israel last Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ending his 36-year iron rule.
Justifying the military action, Trump also said, "An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American."
Trump then warned, "Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is likely to be more. But we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case." He added, "Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing."
He also hinted that further strikes on Iran could last about a month in an interview with the British media. "It's always been about a four-week process, so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less," he said.
Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Gulf states in retaliation and vowed further retaliatory attacks on the U.S. and its regional allies, sending shockwaves through global markets.
The escalation has also raised concerns in Seoul over energy security, regional stability, and the future of its alliance with Washington.
South Korea is particularly vulnerable to instability in the Persian Gulf, as it imports a large share of its crude oil from the region, roughly 70 percent of its supplies, with nearly all of it passing through the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.
A broader regional conflict could also affect South Korean firms operating in Gulf states, many of which hold long‑standing contracts in energy and development projects.
Provided a prolonged military confrontation in the already volatile region continues, it could disrupt maritime traffic and push oil prices sharply higher. Analysts warn that even short‑term supply interruptions could add inflationary pressure to the export‑driven country, which is already grappling with uncertain global demand.
Iran's interim leadership has signaled that it will continue defending the country against U.S. and Israeli actions.
Trump also vowed to avenge U.S. deaths, even as he indicated in separate interviews that he remains open to potential talks with Iran's interim leadership. "America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization," he said.
These developments raise the prospect of a drawn-out confrontation, putting Seoul on high alert. Government authorities are keeping a close eye on North Korea as well, given Pyongyang's historical alignment with Iran in opposing U.S. foreign policy.
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