WASHINGTON: The US Department of Defence on Monday confirmed roughly 140 American service members have been wounded since fighting with Iran began on February 28, eight of them critically.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said most wounds from Operation Epic Fury were minor, with 108 troops already back on duty. “Eight service members remain listed as severely injured and are receiving the highest level of medical care,” Parnell said.
The announcement came after earlier reports put the wounded count closer to 150 in the first 10 days of combat.
The Pentagon has confirmed seven troops killed in Iranian attacks; an eighth died of a medical episode in Kuwait.
Tensions escalated sharply after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 1,250 others.
Iran has since struck back with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US bases across the region.
President Donald Trump has described the war as “very complete” and hinted it could wrap up soon, though aides say the campaign presses on until every objective is met.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the operation is running ahead of schedule, targeting Iran’s missile arsenal, its navy, and any path to a nuclear weapon.
unconditional surrender” before the war concludes, while Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful.
