Pentagon: 140 US troops wounded since Iran strikes began, 8 severely injured

2026-03-11 - 00:02

The Pentagon disclosed Tuesday that 140 US service members have been wounded since the commencement of American and Israeli strikes against Iran, providing the first comprehensive casualty figures since the campaign began Feb. 28. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Anadolu that eight of the wounded sustained severe injuries and are receiving "the highest level of medical care." Most injured personnel return to duty Parnell emphasized that the vast majority of injuries are minor, with 108 service members already returned to duty. The figures supplement the eight American fatalities previously confirmed since the operation began. President Donald Trump has repeatedly acknowledged that casualties were anticipated, characterizing the conflict as ultimately "a great deal for the world" despite the human cost. Conflict exacts mounting toll The American casualties come as part of a broader escalation that has seen more than 1,200 Iranian deaths, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian authorities. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, expanding the conflict's geographic scope and increasing risks to American personnel stationed throughout the region. The Pentagon's disclosure provides rare transparency into the human cost of the campaign for US forces, as the conflict enters its second week with no clear end in sight.