The Pentagon revealed Tuesday that about 140 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the war with Iran, a figure that had not been disclosed by the White House.
According to defense officials, most of the injuries occurred during retaliatory missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against U.S. bases and military facilities in the region after American and allied strikes began late last month. The Pentagon said the “vast majority” of the wounded suffered minor injuries, with 108 already returning to duty, while eight service members remain listed as severely injured and are receiving intensive medical care.
The figure marks the first comprehensive tally of American casualties since the conflict began roughly ten days ago. Prior to the announcement, officials had publicly acknowledged only a small number of serious injuries, prompting criticism from some lawmakers and analysts who say the administration was slow to disclose the full toll on U.S. forces.
The fighting has already claimed the lives of several American troops stationed in the region, including service members killed in strikes in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Military officials say Iranian attacks targeted bases, diplomatic facilities, airports and energy infrastructure as part of a broader retaliation campaign.
President Donald Trump has continued to defend the military operation, arguing that casualties were expected in a conflict of this scale and insisting that the campaign against Iran’s military capabilities is progressing. The newly released injury figures, however, offer the clearest picture yet of the human cost for U.S. forces as the war enters its second week with no immediate end in sight.