Pentagon raises official death toll from Iran war to 23

That total in the reporting database, the Defense Casualty Analysis System, includes additional noncombat deaths added Wednesday and Thursday. A U.S. sailor, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black, directs an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, during a flight quarters evolution during Operation Epic Fury, March 20, 2026. (U.S. Navy) The Pentagon has revised the number of U.S. troops who have died during operations related to the war against Iran to 23. That total in the Pentagon’s reporting database, the Defense Casualty Analysis System, includes additional noncombat deaths recorded in updates Wednesday and Thursday.

The latest deaths were airmen. The Air Force did not provide any additional details. The military has divided casualties from the war against Iran into two categories following a pause and subsequent resumption of large-scale hostilities. The first, Operation Epic Fury, began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. It counts 15 deaths and 417 wounded. The second category, “overseas operations,” covers casualties since July 7. It lists eight deaths and 448 wounded.