Eight U.S. service members have been killed so far in the ongoing military operation against Iran, amid warnings from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that more casualties are expected.

Axar.az reports the seventh casualty was a service member seriously wounded on March 1 in Saudi Arabia during Iran’s initial retaliatory strikes on American forces in the region, according to CENTCOM.

"Last night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East. The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1.

This is the seventh service member killed in action during Operation Epic Fury. Major combat operations continue. The identity of the fallen warrior will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification," according to CENTCOM X.

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In a subsequent post on X, CENTCOM announced an additional U.S. casualty in Operation Epic Fury, bringing the total number of American service members killed to eight.

"A U.S. National Guard Soldier died in a health-related incident in Kuwait on March 6 during a medical emergency. The exact cause of death is under review," CENTCOM stated on X.

The operation began after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran following months of heightened tensions, including previous attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran has responded by targeting Israel and Gulf nations, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to defend itself if a U.S. ground incursion occurs, while President Donald Trump and U.S. officials have not ruled out the possibility of deploying ground troops.