WASHINGTON – The ongoing conflict involving American service members in the Iran war has seen a concerning increase in casualties. As of recent reports, the number of wounded service members has surpassed 300, with more than two dozen troops injured in attacks on a Saudi air base this past week.
Iran’s military actions against Saudi Arabia escalated recently, as six ballistic missiles and 29 drones were launched at the Prince Sultan air base. This attack resulted in injuries to at least 15 U.S. troops, five of whom were severely hurt. Initial U.S. reports indicated that at least 10 troops were injured, including two serious cases.
In response to the rising tensions and casualties, U.S. Central Command announced the arrival of additional military forces in the Middle East. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, has been deployed to the region. This ship and its accompanying Marine Expeditionary Unit were previously stationed in Japan and were diverted from exercises near Taiwan to bolster U.S. presence in the Middle East.
The USS Tripoli is equipped with transport aircraft, strike fighters, and amphibious assault assets, enhancing the military capabilities in the area. Furthermore, the USS Boxer and two other naval vessels, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit from San Diego, are also being redirected to support U.S. operations in the region.
Before the Marines’ arrival, the U.S. military had already established its largest force in the region in over two decades, including two aircraft carriers, several warships, and about 50,000 troops. The USS Gerald R Ford, the newest aircraft carrier, recently departed the Middle East for repairs after a fire incident onboard.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S.’s ability to achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops, while suggesting that President Trump must remain prepared for a variety of contingencies. He noted that U.S. forces are strategically positioned to offer the president flexibility in dealing with emerging situations.
The Prince Sultan air base, located approximately 96 kilometers from Riyadh, has faced multiple attacks in recent weeks. Earlier incidents included a prior attack that injured 14 U.S. troops and another that resulted in damage to a U.S. aircraft. The base is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force but is also utilized by American forces and has been a target since the war began a month ago.
Tragically, Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, succumbed to his injuries following a March 1 attack, marking him as one of 13 service members killed in the conflict. Six others were lost when an Iranian drone struck a civilian port in Kuwait, while another six died in a plane crash in Iraq, attributed to an incident not involving hostile fire.
As of now, the Pentagon has not publicly commented on the recent casualties at the Saudi base. Central Command reported that over 300 service members have been injured in the war, with most returning to duty, although 30 remain out of action and 10 are classified as seriously wounded.
The conflict has also seen Iran retaliate against U.S. and Israeli actions by targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states, causing significant disruptions in global air travel, oil exports, and fuel prices. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, has further complicated economic stability worldwide.
With economic implications reaching far beyond the Middle East, pressure is mounting on President Trump to address Iran’s influence in the strait. Recent attacks on the Saudi air base coincided with Trump’s optimistic claims about ongoing negotiations to end the war.
Trump has indicated he has given Iran an ultimatum to reopen the strait by April 6, while Iranian officials have denied any involvement in negotiations.
James Jeffrey, a former deputy national security adviser, noted the relatively low casualty figures among American troops despite the intensity of Iranian attacks. He pointed out that Iran’s broader strategy focuses on inflicting economic damage rather than directly targeting U.S. personnel.
“We have not stopped Iran from its campaign against the Gulf,” Jeffrey stated, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by Iran’s missile capabilities and its stockpile of enriched uranium.
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Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.
