WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of American service members wounded in the ongoing Iran war has exceeded 300, with more than two dozen troops injured this week following attacks on a Saudi air base. Iran targeted Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan air base with six ballistic missiles and 29 drones during an assault on Friday, resulting in at least 15 troops being injured, five of whom suffered serious injuries. Initially, U.S. officials reported a lower figure, stating that at least 10 U.S. troops were hurt, including two with severe injuries.
In response to escalating tensions, additional American forces are being deployed to the Middle East, including a Navy ship carrying approximately 2,500 Marines that has arrived in the region. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship along with elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Japan, was on exercises near Taiwan when ordered to deploy to the Middle East. Central Command highlighted that the Tripoli brings various assets including transport and strike fighter aircraft, enhancing military presences in the area.
Prior to the Marines' arrival, the U.S. military had already amassed the largest force in the region in over two decades, comprising two aircraft carriers, several warships, and about 50,000 troops. Notably, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest U.S. aircraft carrier, had recently departed the Middle East for repairs after a fire incident that affected sleeping quarters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States can fulfill its objectives "without any ground troops." However, he emphasized that President Trump must remain prepared for multiple contingencies, suggesting that American forces are in place to provide the president with flexibility to respond to evolving situations.
The Saudi air base has been subjected to multiple attacks, including earlier this week when 14 U.S. troops were injured in a separate incident. The installation, located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) from Riyadh, is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force but also accommodates U.S. personnel and has been a persistent target since the war commenced. The conflict marked its one-month anniversary on Saturday.
Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, aged 26, was wounded in a March 1 attack on the base and succumbed to his injuries days later, contributing to the growing list of 13 service members who have died in this conflict. Six of these fatalities occurred when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait, while another six service members died in a refueling plane crash in Iraq, which was attributed to a non-hostile incident.
Central Command reported that, of the more than 300 wounded service members, most have returned to duty, with 30 still out of action and 10 considered seriously wounded. This ongoing war has led to significant repercussions beyond military engagements, affecting global air travel, disrupting oil exports, and causing fuel prices to surge, largely due to Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway.
As the economic fallout from the conflict extends beyond the Middle East, President Trump is facing increasing pressure to address Iran's tight grip on the Strait. In a recent statement, Trump noted that discussions about ending the war were "going very well," while he indicated that he had given Iran until April 6 to facilitate the reopening of the strait. Iran, on the other hand, maintains that it has not engaged in any negotiations regarding this matter.
James Jeffrey, a former deputy national security adviser to President George W. Bush, remarked that the relatively low number of American casualties signifies effective military operations and tactics. He noted the limited American deaths and injuries despite significant Iranian aggression but emphasized that Iran's ultimate objective is not necessarily to kill American service members. Rather, the focus appears to be on inflicting economic damage on U.S. allies and the global economy. Jeffrey pointed out that the U.S. has not sufficiently curtailed Iran’s military capabilities, referring to their substantial stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which remains unaddressed.
