CENTCOM hid U.S. troop injuries in Iran war: NYT

The war began in late February, but was in a state of nominal ceasefire for several months, until the collapse of negotiations to formally end the conflict.

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 20, 2026 3:56pm

Updated: July 20, 2026 4:28pm

United States Central Command reportedly withheld information on dozens of U.S. personnel combat injuries amid the Iran war, according to the New York Times, which cited "several U.S. officials."

The outlet reported that the number of undisclosed personnel injuries numbered in the "dozens." It further noted that CENTCOM is not required to release that information and pointed to a military official who suggested that doing so could have aided Iran.

The Department of War responded to the Times report, by asserting that 96% of the nearly 100 service members who were injured had returned to duty.

"The vast majority of injuries experienced were minor concussions. Further updates will be posted on the Defense Casualty Analysis System," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

The news comes amid reports of multiple fatalities among U.S. personnel since the relaunch of active hostilities between Tehran and Washington.

Two service members this week were killed in a strike in Jordan. President Donald Trump has vowed to avenge every fallen American several times over.

The war began in late February, but was in a state of nominal ceasefire for several months, until the collapse of negotiations to formally end the conflict.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.