American military casualties in the war with Iran have risen to 774, including 18 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Pentagon’s casualty reporting system.
The Defense Casualty Analysis System showed that 756 US service members have sustained injuries since the war began on February 28. The figures are now divided into two reporting periods, reflecting the changing diplomatic and military circumstances of the conflict.
The first period, designated Operation Epic Fury, accounts for 14 deaths and 417 wounded personnel.
Seven of the deaths in that category were classified as hostile deaths, including service members killed in action or those who subsequently died from their wounds.
The remaining seven deaths were attributed to accidents or undetermined causes, with the US Air Force and Navy accounting for a significant proportion of the fatalities.
A second category, titled Overseas Operations, records casualties from July 7, following the effective collapse of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran and one day before Trump formally declared the ceasefire “over”.
That period has recorded four hostile deaths, all involving US Army personnel, and 341 wounded service members.
The US Army has suffered the highest number of casualties across the two reporting periods, recording 11 deaths and 589 injuries.
US Shifts to Economic War
The casualty figures came as the Trump administration prepared to intensify economic pressure on Tehran after months of direct military confrontation.
The United States is expected to target Iran’s economy and countries that continue to trade with Tehran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expected to unveil details of the new measures.
The strategy is expected to combine additional sanctions, a naval blockade and pressure on countries buying Iranian commodities, particularly oil.
China, India, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates could face pressure because of their economic relationships with Iran. China is expected to be a particular focus because it remains the main buyer of Iranian oil.
The administration’s objective is to force Tehran to accept an agreement on Washington’s terms without relying exclusively on continued large-scale military operations.
However, analysts have warned that the strategy could produce the opposite result by encouraging Iran to retaliate militarily rather than capitulate.
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