Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.: As many as 757 U.S. service members have been wounded so far in the ongoing war against Iran, according to the Pentagon’s wartime casualty database. The total surpassed 750 after the Defense Department added information on more than 50 newly wounded service members this week.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), 18 U.S. service members have been killed and 757 wounded since the United States launched its military operation against Iran on February 28. More than 580 of the wounded service members are from the U.S. Army. In addition, 86 Navy personnel, 64 Air Force personnel and 19 Marines have been wounded.

Controversy Over Pentagon Casualty Figures

The Pentagon has previously faced criticism over the way it has reported casualties from the Iran war. At the end of July, the Defense Department created a new category called “Overseas Operations.” Casualties occurring after July 7 began to be reported separately from those listed under “Operation Epic Fury.”

The move raised questions about the actual number of U.S. military casualties in the conflict. When the figures from the two categories were combined, the total number of wounded service members surpassed 750.

Majority of Wounded Suffered Head Injuries

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have released only limited details about the injuries suffered by American service members. However, U.S. officials have said that a significant number of the wounded suffered serious head injuries. 

Meanwhile, alongside the ongoing war with Iran, President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose unprecedented economic pressure on Tehran. As a result, tensions between the United States and Iran are expected to intensify not only on the military front but also through an increasingly severe economic confrontation.