The number of US troops killed during the US-Israeli war with Iran is at least four higher than the Pentagon has publicly reported, according to a Washington Post investigation published Friday.
The newspaper, citing five unidentified officials, said at least 22 US military personnel had died during the period, compared with 18 fatalities listed in the Pentagon’s publicly available casualty database.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the report, calling it “a complete LIE” in a post on X.
According to the Washington Post, some of the additional deaths were not directly caused by combat but involved US personnel serving in the Middle East while hostilities were under way.
The report raised questions over how the Pentagon has classified and publicly disclosed military deaths connected to the conflict.
The newspaper said the Pentagon declined to answer its questions about the apparent discrepancy in casualty figures.
The Washington Post did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for further comment.
The United States has maintained a significant military presence across the Middle East during the months-long conflict involving Iran and Israel, placing American personnel at bases and facilities throughout the region.
