The US Department of Defence has reported that 774 American service members have been killed or wounded since the start of the country's war against Iran, with the latest Pentagon data showing 756 troops wounded in action and 18 killed. The updated figures come amid criticism over delays and changes in the way the US military has reported casualties from the conflict.

According to the Defence Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), the combined figures under the Operation Epic Furycategory and a separate “Overseas Operations” section show 756 wounded service members. The Pentagon's database lists 18 deaths connected to the operation, taking the total number of killed and injured personnel to 774. The latest update added about 50 wounded service members to the previously reported figures. The Pentagon established the “Overseas Operations” category for casualties linked to the conflict beginning July 7, the same day US forces resumed airstrikes against Iran. Washington has said those strikes followed Iranian attacks targeting shipping and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pentagon faces casualty reporting scrutiny

The latest figures have renewed attention on the Pentagon's handling of casualty data during the Iran conflict. The Defence Department previously faced criticism from media organisations and Democratic lawmakers after the number of service members listed as killed and wounded in its database temporarily declined. The Pentagon attributed those changes to what it described as “temporary data disruptions”.

The department has also faced questions over why information about wounded personnel was not disclosed more quickly. According to reports cited in the supplied material, US officials have pointed to security considerations for delays in releasing some casualty information. The updated database now provides a substantially higher number of wounded troops than earlier public figures suggested.

Iran conflict continues

The casualty update comes as Washington's military operations against Iran continue amid uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump notified Congress that hostilities had resumed, giving US forces and the US Central Command theatre another 60 days to conduct military operations with congressional approval.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the confrontation because of its importance to global energy shipments. The US has linked its renewed military action to attacks on commercial shipping in the region, while negotiations aimed at easing tensions and reopening the waterway have faced difficulties.

Trump has also announced a major economic campaign against Iran as Washington increases pressure on Tehran. The US administration has described the planned measures as an unprecedented financial offensive designed to restrict Iran's ability to generate revenue and access international financial networks.

The latest Pentagon casualty figures therefore provide a clearer picture of the human cost to US forces as the conflict enters another phase. With military operations continuing alongside economic pressure and strained diplomatic efforts, further changes to the casualty figures are possible as the Pentagon updates its database and verifies reports from the battlefield.