The U.S. Department of Defense has reported military casualties from the Iran conflict in two separate categories. The combined total of U.S. military casualties is 18 deaths and 624 injuries.
According to reports from CNN and other outlets on the 26th, the Defense Department created a new category for 'overseas operations' to separately reflect casualties incurred in engagements with Iran since July 7.
The previously reported death toll under the 'Operation Epic Fury' category remains at 14. However, four recently omitted deaths have been included in the new category, along with over 140 additional injuries.
The Defense Department has not provided a total count combining both categories and has not explained the rationale behind the new classification or its specific criteria.
Earlier, the Defense Department's website showed a reduction in U.S. military deaths from 18 to 14, leading to controversy over the apparent downplaying of casualties. The department attributed this to a 'temporary data error,' but did not immediately correct the figures.
There is ongoing debate regarding the start date of the new category, set for July 7, which coincides with the day the Trump administration officially notified Congress of a resumption of military actions against Iran.
The Trump administration maintains that the previous ceasefire period has ended, and a new period began on July 7. The U.S. War Powers Act stipulates that the president must conclude military operations within 60 days unless Congress grants approval.
Some lawmakers have criticized the administration for attempting to divide a single conflict into two periods to evade congressional approval. Twelve Democratic senators from the Senate Armed Services Committee have demanded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarify the reasons for the changes in casualty reporting and the overall scale of the losses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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