WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed in action and five others seriously injured as part of the military operation against Iran, the U.S. Central Command said Sunday.

Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions, said the command in a statement on social media, adding that they are "in the process of being returned to duty."

"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information," the command added.

The United States and Israel began massive airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning. U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday in an interview with Fox News that 48 senior Iranian officials have been killed in the strikes. ■