Pentagon reports 100 US troops injured in recent Iran clashes as Trump vows strong response
The Pentagon says 100 US soldiers were injured and 17 killed amid escalating conflict with Iran, as Trump threatens a forceful retaliation.
Key Takeaways
AIThe US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Monday that 100 American service members have been injured since July 7, confirming that 96% of those wounded have returned to duty. This comes after several US troops were killed in recent days during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The number of US soldiers killed in the war with Iran has risen to 17 in recent days, while the remains of another soldier are undergoing examination. Two soldiers were confirmed dead in an Iranian attack targeting US forces in Jordan, according to Reuters.
Escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran
These developments come amid intensifying conflict since July 7, with the United States launching strikes on Iran and Tehran responding by attacking US forces at several locations across the Middle East. Sources indicated that recent US airstrikes targeted Iranian military capabilities and aimed to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump, for his part, warned that Iran would "pay the price" following the deaths of American soldiers, stressing that the US response would double with each attack. He stated that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Keane accordingly.
Military movements and expectations of further escalation
A US official explained that, prior to the deadly attack in Jordan, the United States had begun deploying additional military aircraft—including fighter jets and refueling planes—to the Middle East. Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, warned that the ongoing exchange of attacks could lead to greater escalation, calling for the withdrawal of US forces to avoid more dangerous assaults.
Last week, Trump threatened to expand the scope of US targets in Iran to include power stations and bridges, to send ground forces to seize Kharg Island, and to bomb underground nuclear facilities.
The war and its financial costs are expected to dominate Tuesday's congressional session, which will be attended by the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, amid ongoing tensions and military escalation between the two sides.