Iran claims over 200 US troops killed in 15-day war

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that more than 200 US soldiers were killed during 15 days of conflict with the United States. The organisation also alleged that the Pentagon is concealing the actual casualty figures. However, no official response has been received from the United States regarding the claim, and the information could not be independently verified.

In an interview with Iran's state news agency Tasnim, IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi said, "During 'Operation Victory-2', the actual number of US casualties and losses from Iran's retaliatory strikes is far higher than what Washington has disclosed. More than 200 US soldiers were killed in that operation, and the number of wounded is even higher."

Mohebi further stated that if international media and journalists were allowed access to the US military bases targeted in Iran's missile strikes, the true situation would become clear.

According to the IRGC, 'Operation Victory-2' involved strikes on eight US military bases. At least 20 facilities and aircraft hangars at one base were hit by missiles. These strikes destroyed 11 US fighter jets and helicopters, 17 intelligence and operational drones, one F-15 fighter jet, one P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, one C-17 transport aircraft and eight aerial refuelling tankers.

The Pentagon had earlier reported that 18 US soldiers were killed in the conflict. Subsequently, several international media outlets, citing revised figures, reported the death toll as 14. The United States has also released the names and photographs of several of the fallen soldiers.

However, the US Department of Defense has not yet made any public comment on the IRGC's latest claim. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify Iran's claims regarding casualties or the destruction of military equipment.