War – Pentagon Reports 140 US Troops Wounded During Iran Conflict
War – The United States Department of Defense has confirmed that around 140 American service members were injured during the first ten days of continuous attacks connected to the ongoing US military campaign against Iran.
According to Pentagon officials, most of the injuries have been classified as minor, though a small number of troops remain in serious condition and are receiving advanced medical treatment.
Pentagon Releases Casualty Details
Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell shared the figures while providing an update on the operation, which has been named Operation Epic Fury. The military campaign began earlier this year amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Parnell stated that approximately 140 US personnel sustained injuries during ten consecutive days of attacks targeting American forces. He added that the majority of affected troops have already recovered enough to resume their duties.
Out of those injured, 108 service members have returned to active service, while eight remain listed in severe condition. These soldiers are currently receiving the highest level of medical care available through military health facilities.
The Pentagon did not release specific information about the locations of the attacks or the exact circumstances under which the injuries occurred.
Senate Democrats Demand Public Hearings
The disclosure of casualty numbers has intensified political debate in Washington. Senior Democratic leaders in the US Senate are now calling for public hearings to examine the administration’s strategy in the escalating Middle East conflict.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer joined two key committee leaders—Jack Reed of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Jeanne Shaheen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—in urging the White House to provide greater transparency.
In a joint letter addressed to President Donald Trump, the senators argued that the administration has yet to clearly outline its objectives or long-term plan regarding the war with Iran.
They warned that changing explanations about the mission’s goals could indicate the absence of a coherent strategy. Such uncertainty, they said, could increase the risk of mission expansion, potentially leading to higher casualties among US forces and rising financial costs for American taxpayers.
Questions Over War Strategy and Objectives
The lawmakers emphasized that both Congress and the public remain uncertain about the scope of the military operations. According to their letter, Americans were suddenly confronted with a new conflict less than two weeks earlier without a clear explanation from the government.
The senators wrote that since the conflict began, the administration has offered shifting explanations about its objectives while declining to specify how success will be measured or when operations might conclude.
They stressed that members of the military and their families deserve a clear understanding of why US troops are engaged in combat and what the administration hopes to achieve.
Concerns About Safety of Americans Abroad
Another issue raised in the letter involves the safety of American citizens and personnel overseas. The lawmakers argued that the administration did not adequately prepare for the potential consequences of launching military strikes against Iran.
They pointed to reports of drone and missile attacks affecting airports, hotels, and diplomatic facilities in various locations. According to the senators, thousands of American citizens have been left stranded abroad as tensions escalate across the region.
The letter also acknowledged that the conflict has already resulted in the loss of American service members, adding to concerns about the risks faced by troops deployed in the region.
Economic Effects Already Emerging
Beyond the military impact, lawmakers warned that the conflict is beginning to influence the US economy. They noted that fuel prices have increased sharply since the escalation of hostilities.
According to their estimates, gasoline prices in the United States have risen by roughly 20 percent within a week. At the same time, global crude oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel, reaching levels not seen since 2022.
These developments have raised concerns about the potential economic burden on American households if the conflict continues.
Calls for Testimony From Key Officials
The senators are requesting that senior administration officials appear before Congress to answer questions about the war. Among those they want to testify are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
They argue that public hearings would help ensure accountability and provide lawmakers and citizens with a clearer understanding of the administration’s decisions.
Growing Regional Tensions
The current conflict began after the United States launched military operations against Iran in late February. For years, tensions between the two countries have centered on Iran’s nuclear programme, its regional influence, and its support for armed groups across the Middle East.
The recent escalation has triggered widespread concern among US allies and policymakers about the possibility of a prolonged regional confrontation. Analysts warn that such a scenario could affect global energy markets and pose broader risks to international security.