'Killing these brutal terrorists is good for America,' Leavitt says of Operation Epic Fury

WASHINGTON (TNND) — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran, describing his administration's efforts as "a resounding success" following threats to American security at a time of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Her remarks come amid "Operation Epic Fury," a campaign targeting Iran's military infrastructure and leadership amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

"Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the rogue Iranian terrorist regime is being absolutely crushed," Leavitt said during a news briefing on Wednesday afternoon, adding that more than 2,000 targets have been hit so far.

"Iran's murderous, terrorist leaders are paying for their crimes against America -- and they are playing in blood," she said.

Leavitt also said Trump is "correcting decades of cowardice" in U.S. foreign policy and vowed that threats against the U.S. would end under his leadership.

"President Trump is finally the man of action," Leavitt said.

"President Trump does not bluff," she added.

Her comments echo what she recently posted on X just a few days ago.

"For 47 years, the Iranian regime has actively and intentionally facilitated the killing of Americans while chanting 'death to America' and funding other bloodthirsty terrorists seeking to destroy the United States and all of Western Civilization," Leavitt wrote.

"Prior American leaders were too weak and cowardly to do anything about it. Now, President Donald J. Trump is correcting decades of cowardice and holding those responsible for the deaths of Americans accountable," she added. "Their brutal attacks and threats will finally end under President Trump. America will win -- the terrorists will be defeated."

In a separate news conference, Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed, saying that the U.S. and Israel will soon achieve "uncontested" and "complete control" over Iranian airspace.

Leavitt framed the operation as a necessary response to what she described as years of Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. personnel and interests. The White House has argued that prior diplomatic efforts failed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional proxy activities.

"Killing these brutal terrorists is good for America," she said during the news conference, noting that[49 of the most senior Iranian regime leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were killed]in the opening strikes of Operation Epic Fury.

Leavitt said Trump's objectives are clear, noting that he has the following goals:

• Destroy the Iranian regime’s missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground
• Annihilate the Iranian regime’s Navy
• Ensure the regime’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces
• Stop them from making and using IEDs or roadside bombs, which she said have "gravely wounded and killed thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans."
• Guarantee that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon

"Preventing this radical regime and its terrorist leaders from threatening America and our core national security interests is a clear-eyed and necessary objective," she said.

Her words underscore the administration’s broader messaging that the military campaign is intended to deter further aggression and protect U.S. national security interests.

Leavitt also said more than 17,500 Americans have returned home from the Middle East since the launch of Operation Epic Fury. She said upwards of 8,500 American citizens returned to the U.S. on Tuesday alone.

"If you are a U.S. citizen in the Middle East looking to return to the United States, the secretary of state asks that you please register with the State Department," Leavitt said, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking to social media to share information about available aviation and ground transportation options.

Critics in Congress have raised concerns about the scope of the operation and whether additional congressional authorization is required. Supporters, meanwhile, said the strikes demonstrate renewed American resolve.

Six U.S. service members were killed during Operation Epic Fury, according to the Pentagon. Four of them were Army Reserve soldiers, who died after a drone hit a command center on Sunday in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

"I want to also extend our prayers and condolences to the families of the six U.S. military service members who have been lost in Operation Epic Fury," Leavitt said on Wednesday. "These heroes represent the very best among us ... We will never forget their legacy or their sacrifice."

During the news conference, a reporter asked Leavitt if the strike impacted a girls' elementary school -- as multiple news agencies reported -- and killed 175 people.

"Not that we know of," she said, adding that the Department of War is investigating. "I would just tell you very strongly that the United States of America does not target civilians, unlike the rogue Iranian regime that targets civilians, that kills children, that has killed thousands of their own people in the past several week and uses propaganda quite effectively. And unfortunately, many people in this room have fallen for it."

Leavitt added that Operation Midnight Hammer -- a separate attack on Iran that Trump launched in June -- obliterated Iran’s major nuclear sites. But, she said, Iranian the regime was "fully committed to rebuilding their nuclear program" and refused to make a deal despite months of extensive talks and good faith efforts by Trump’s top negotiators.

"Simply put, the terrorist Iranian regime would not say yes to peace," Leavitt said.

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