Pentagon acknowledges over 100 US military injuries in Iran conflict, says 96% returned to duty

The Pentagon has acknowledged that over 100 U.S. military service members have suffered injuries in conflicts involving Iran since July 7, but asserted that 96% of them have already returned to their duties. This statement addresses reports, notably from The New York Times, alleging that the Pentagon has been concealing details about these service members' injuries.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated on the platform X that "almost 100 service members have sustained some level of injury since July 7, 2026, with 96 percent having returned to duty." He added, "They are determined to return to the fight. The vast majority of injuries sustained were mild traumatic brain injuries."

CNN also reported that U.S. military personnel have been slow to disclose information about these injuries, citing a desire to protect the affected individuals. Meanwhile, mediators between the U.S. and Iran have reportedly proposed a 10-day ceasefire to de-escalate tensions and reopen negotiation channels. The White House has not explicitly confirmed whether it will accept this cessation of hostilities, but acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

Sources indicate that Washington is increasing its fighter jet presence in the Middle East. The U.S. has reported launching new strikes against Iran, following Iranian media reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Bemani district. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have destroyed radar systems and an F-15 fighter jet in Jordan, among other targets. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the conflict as a full-scale war.