The US military is facing allegations of concealing the number of casualties sustained during the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to a report by The New York Times on July 20, unnamed US officials revealed that three Iranian attacks on military bases in Jordan over the course of a week have resulted in dozens of injuries among soldiers and significant damage to Black Hawk helicopters.

These attacks occurred just before a ballistic missile strike by Iran on the Muwaffaq Salti military airport on July 17, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. However, the US military has not publicly disclosed details regarding these attacks, including casualty figures and related damages.

On July 20, the Pentagon announced that the total number of US military casualties in the conflict with Iran since July 7 has risen to nearly 100, but did not provide specific details. This situation reflects the heightened tensions as the Pentagon navigates the need to ensure operational security while fulfilling its obligation to inform the American public about the unfolding conflict, according to The New York Times.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the military is not hiding or altering casualty figures from the conflict. “Allegations of concealment are aimed at causing further anxiety among the American public following the deaths of three soldiers in combat,” he said. Parnell noted that the Pentagon has deployed an updated Defense Casualty Analysis System, which indicates that at least 17 American soldiers have died and 427 have been injured since the conflict escalated in February.

“Injuries within the military stem from various causes, including training accidents and non-combat-related incidents. Presenting raw numbers without context can create a misleading and biased picture,” Parnell explained. According to Pentagon officials, most of the nearly 100 casualties reported since July 7 were related to mild concussions, with 96% of those injured returning to duty.

One US defense official pointed out that Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, is not required to disclose information about injured soldiers, especially when they quickly return to duty. “Why should the Pentagon disclose information that could help Iran target ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Jordan and other US bases in the Middle East, where thousands of soldiers are stationed?” questioned another US official.

The casualties of US soldiers in the conflict with Iran remain a sensitive issue. According to information disclosure procedures, the Pentagon only publicly identifies deceased soldiers 24 hours after notifying their families. Meanwhile, the identities of injured soldiers are often not revealed. The administration of former President Donald Trump has not disclosed the extent of losses of key and expensive weapons in the conflict, nor how much Iran has maintained and rebuilt its missile capabilities.

Since the conflict reignited in late June, the Pentagon has provided very little information regarding US military strategy. The last major press briefing on the issue was held in early May.