11.03.2026 09:23
The number of injured U.S. soldiers in the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran has sparked debate in Washington. Reuters reported that around 150 soldiers were injured, while the Pentagon stated the number is around 140. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also confirmed the presence of injured soldiers at a press conference and noted that most of the injuries were minor.
The toll of the war that began on February 28 between the United States and Iran, which has rapidly escalated tensions in the Middle East, is becoming heavier. According to a report by Reuters based on two sources, approximately 150 U.S. soldiers have been injured since the conflict began.
This figure had not been previously disclosed to the public. Before Reuters' report, the Pentagon had only announced that 8 U.S. soldiers were seriously injured.
PENTAGON RESPONDS TO ALLEGATIONS
Following Reuters' report, a statement from the Pentagon indicated that the number of injured soldiers is approximately 140. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the majority of the injuries are of a minor nature. Parnell said, "Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 U.S. soldiers have been injured during the 10 days of attacks." According to the statement, 108 of the injured soldiers have returned to duty, while 8 seriously injured soldiers are reported to be receiving advanced medical care.
QUESTIONED AT THE WHITE HOUSE, CONFIRMED
The issue was also raised at a White House press briefing. In response to journalists' question, "Have 150 U.S. soldiers been injured in the war?", White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. soldiers have been injured in the ongoing conflicts with Iran.
Leavitt noted that there are soldiers who have been injured as a result of the attacks, stating that the majority of the injuries are minor and that some soldiers have returned to their duties.
IRAN ATTACKS BASES
Since the start of the war, Iran has been conducting retaliatory attacks against U.S. military bases in the region. The Tehran administration has also carried out attacks targeting diplomatic missions in the Arab Gulf countries, airports, and oil infrastructure.
The U.S. military states that bombings targeting Iran's missile launchers and weapon depots are ongoing. Pentagon officials argue that there has been a decrease in the number of Iranian attacks in recent days.
"THEY ARE NOT STRONGER THAN WE EXPECTED"
U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Dan Caine also stated that the Iranian military has not demonstrated a level of strength beyond what was anticipated in their war plans.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Pentagon, Caine said, "They are fighting, and I respect that, but I do not believe they are stronger than we thought."
Experts warn that as the war progresses, the risk of the regional conflict escalating into a broader war is increasing.