US reveals more than 600 troops wounded since start of Iran war

More than 600 US personnel have been wounded in the war on Iran — including over 140 previously unreported casualties, new  Pentagon data has revealed.

The update came over the weekend as the Pentagon added a new category to the Defense Casualty Analysis System  (DCAS) for casualties in "Overseas Operations" since 7 July — the day before Washington resumed its attacks on Iran.

The new figures put the total number of US casualties from the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran - dubbed Operation Epic Fury  - at 14 killed and more than 417 wounded.

At least 207 wounded personnel came under the new "Overseas Operations" category.

The latest changes came after the Pentagon revised down the number of casualties from the Iran war, which previously stood at 18 killed and 482 wounded. Four names of deceased military personnel were moved to "Overseas Operations" and are the only deaths listed in that category.

On July 21, US President Donald Trump himself said on Truth Social that the number killed in the "Iran Military Conflict" was 18.

On X, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell responded to media reports about the changing numbers with a scathing attack on the "Fake News media".

"These site anomalies are currently being resolved in coordination with the Military Services. The Department attempted to explain the anomalies to the New York Times ahead of publication, but given their lack of knowledge in this area, they proceeded to write a non-story that will be fixed imminently. We remain committed to ensuring the utmost accuracy of all casualty reporting,” he said in response to the New York Times' report on the matter.

The administration's handling of the numbers, and subsequent lack of explanation for the changes, has prompted criticism from both sides of the aisle.

"Let me explain this absurd ruse: The Pentagon is pretending there have been two Iran wars separated by a brief cease-fire," said Republican Congressman Thomas Massie on X last week.

"The reality: By going more than 90 days without congressional authorization @SecWar IS BREAKING THE LAW and must be held accountable," he added, referring to the dispute over the Trump administration's interpretation of the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires the president to seek authorisation from Congress to continue military operations beyond two months.

After the US resumed its attacks on Iran earlier this month, the Trump administration has attempted to frame the new phase of fighting as distinct from the initial part, which began in late February.

Last week, the US House of Representatives voted 214-208 in favour of a resolution directing the president to halt military action against Iran without congressional approval. Hours later, the Senate voted 49 to 47 against a separate but similar resolution.