Exclusive: U.S. Casualty Toll in Iran Conflict Rises to Approximately 140 Wounded Troops

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) – The U.S. military’s casualty count from the ongoing conflict with Iran is markedly higher than initially reported, with approximately 140 American troops wounded over ten days of fighting, according to Pentagon figures confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday.

The new assessment, provided after Reuters inquiries, revises the earlier official disclosure of only eight seriously injured personnel. The vast majority of the 140 casualties are described as minor injuries, with 108 service members already returned to duty.

"Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 U.S. service members have been wounded over 10 days of sustained attacks," said chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. He emphasized that the eight seriously wounded are receiving top-tier medical care.

The nature of the injuries remains unclear, including whether they involve traumatic brain injuries commonly associated with blast exposures. The casualties stem from a wave of retaliatory strikes launched by Iran against U.S. bases in the region beginning February 28, which also targeted diplomatic sites, civilian infrastructure, and oil facilities in Gulf states.

Pentagon officials report that the frequency of Iranian attacks has diminished in recent days, crediting sustained U.S. operations against Tehran's weapons stockpiles and missile launch capabilities. When questioned on Tuesday about Iran's military performance, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine stated the conflict has not proven more difficult than anticipated. "I think they're fighting, and I respect that, but I don't think they are more formidable than what we thought," Caine told reporters.

/// EXPERT REACTION ///

Sarah Chen, Security Analyst at the Atlantic Council: "The revised casualty figure underscores the intensity of Iran's initial barrage and the asymmetric nature of this conflict. While most injuries are minor, the scale highlights the operational tempo and strain on forward-deployed units."

Marcus Johnson, Retired Army Colonel: "This is a sobering reminder that 'minor' wounds still represent combat effectiveness degradation. Every soldier evacuated is a loss to their unit's readiness, cumulatively impacting mission execution."

Rebecca Vance, Foreign Policy Commentator: "The Pentagon's initial downplaying of casualties is deeply troubling. It erodes public trust. Were it not for Reuters' digging, would we have ever gotten this clearer picture? It suggests a desire to manage perceptions rather than report the hard facts of war."

Dr. Aris Thorne, Military Historian: "The rapid return-to-duty rate for most wounded is a testament to advances in field medicine and protective gear. However, the psychological and longer-term health impacts, particularly from potential blast injuries, warrant close monitoring."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Franklin Paul and Deepa Babington)