How Many U.S. Soldiers Have Died In The Middle East This Year?
16 service members have died during the war against Iran. Prior to the two deaths reported Saturday, the tally rose earlier this month after a Navy pilot died in a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea. A majority of the deaths from the war were recorded in March, soon after the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Read more Tickets For World Cup Final—The Most Expensive U.S. Sporting Event Ever—Rise 46%
Key Background
The Iran war has lasted for 140 days, far past President Donald Trump’s initial timeline of four to six weeks. A temporary peace agreement was signed between the U.S. and Iran that called for an end to military operations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the beginning of a 60-day negotiation period in which finer conflicts between the two countries, which primarily revolves around nuclear weapons and the strait, would be had. Not long after the agreement was signed, the U.S. struck Iran in response to attacks made against commercial vessels in the strait, which continued for weeks. Iran has recently claimed civilian infrastructure is being targeted following Trump’s threats to attack assets like bridges, railways and power networks. The U.S. has not claimed responsibility for the strikes.
Read more Air Quality Alerts Remain In 16 States As Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spreads To Midwest, Northeast
Further Reading
U.S. Renews Strikes On Iran As Trump Threatens Civilian Infrastructure (Forbes)