Washington – ANN (ANish News Network)

The US Department of Defense is facing mounting scrutiny following allegations that it is underreporting casualties sustained during the ongoing war against Iran, according to a report by American investigative outlet The Intercept.

The report claims that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has provided incomplete and outdated figures on troop casualties, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the Pentagon.

Allegations of a “Casualty Cover-Up”

Citing unnamed defense officials, the report alleges that CENTCOM may be engaged in what was described as a “casualty cover-up,” offering low estimates of injuries and failing to disclose confirmed deaths.

Official figures shared earlier this week by CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stated that approximately 303 US service members had been wounded since the launch of Operation Epic Fury. However, the report notes that these figures were already outdated and excluded subsequent attacks.

One such incident reportedly involved at least 15 US troops injured in a recent Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia—an event not reflected in official casualty counts.

CENTCOM has also declined to provide a comprehensive tally of US military fatalities since the conflict began. Independent estimates cited in the report suggest that at least 15 American personnel have been killed.

Naval Incident Raises Further Questions

The report further highlights discrepancies related to a fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier.

The vessel, deployed to West Asia ahead of the escalation, suffered a major onboard fire last month, forcing its withdrawal to the Greek island of Crete. While Pentagon officials described the incident as “non-combat-related,” critics have questioned the timing and characterization of the event.

According to the report, more than 200 sailors required treatment for smoke inhalation or related injuries—figures not included in CENTCOM’s official casualty disclosures.

Expanding Scope of Attacks

The investigation also points to the widespread targeting of US military installations across the region. While CENTCOM has declined to specify the number of affected bases, independent analysis indicates that facilities in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates have come under attack.

Iran has conducted sustained retaliatory strikes since late February, targeting US and Israeli-linked assets following the initial wave of military action.

Criticism from Policy Experts

Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at the Defense Priorities think tank, criticized the Pentagon’s handling of both troop safety and public communication.

“The Pentagon should be providing accurate and timely information on the costs and casualties involved in this war,” she said. “Failure to invest in hardened infrastructure has left US bases increasingly vulnerable.”

Kavanagh also argued that the growing threat posed by drones and missile systems underscores the need for a reassessment of US military presence in the region.

“We would be better off if bases across the region were closed for good,” she added.

Claims of Troop Vulnerability

The report includes allegations that US personnel have been forced to abandon military bases and seek shelter in civilian infrastructure, including hotels and office buildings, potentially placing non-combatants at risk.

Iranian officials have echoed these claims, accusing Washington of endangering civilian populations by embedding troops in non-military environments.

Discrepancies in Casualty Figures

While official US figures place the number of fatalities at 13 since the start of hostilities, alternative estimates cited in the report suggest significantly higher numbers, with over 500 personnel reportedly injured in various operations.

These discrepancies have fueled calls for greater oversight and transparency, particularly as the financial and human costs of the conflict continue to rise.

Ongoing Conflict

The war, which began on February 28, has escalated into a region-wide confrontation, with Iran launching repeated missile and drone attacks against US forces and installations.

As the conflict intensifies, questions surrounding the accuracy of casualty reporting and the broader conduct of military operations are likely to remain central to public and political debate in the United States.

ANN will continue to follow developments regarding US military operations and casualty reporting in the Iran conflict.