U.S. Defense Department Faces Backlash for Reducing Iran War Death Toll from 18 to 14

The U.S. Department of Defense is facing backlash after lowering its official death toll of U.S. service members from the war with Iran from 18 to 14.

According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 25th (local time), the Pentagon recently revised the number of deaths from the Iran war from 18 to 14 on its official website.

Military officials speaking on the condition of anonymity explained that four U.S. service members who recently died in Jordan and Iraq were excluded from the tally because they died after President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire in April.

However, President Trump himself attended the dignified transfer ceremony for four Army personnel on the 22nd, and in a speech the following day, comparing the Iran war to other conflicts, stated, "Even a single sacrifice is too great, but the death toll from this war is 18."

Acting Pentagon Spokesperson Joel Valdes explained that it was a temporary data error on the website and that it would be corrected immediately. However, the death toll remained listed as 14 on the Defense Department website, fueling further controversy.

Military-related organizations immediately protested.

Tanya Stamos, a Navy veteran and founder of the veterans organization Operation R.J.S., said, "Lowering the number of service members who gave their lives for their country is truly disgusting," adding, "The government trying to erase their names from history is like a slap in the face to the bereaved families and service members."

As the fallout grows, the U.S. Congress has also signaled intense scrutiny of the Pentagon.

A group of Democratic senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding a "comprehensive, complete audit and report" on the number of fatalities and injuries from this war.

Previously, a week prior to an Iranian attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members, dozens of U.S. troops were injured in an Iranian attack, but the Pentagon did not disclose it immediately.

In the letter, lawmakers strongly criticized the Pentagon's delayed and inadequate reporting, stating, "The American public, Congress, service members, and their families have the right to accurate information regarding the cost of war."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.