WASHINGTON — American military casualties in the ongoing conflict with Iran have surpassed 300, with more than two dozen service members injured this week during strikes on a Saudi Arabian air installation.
On Friday, Iranian forces launched six ballistic missiles and 29 drones targeting the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, wounding at least 15 troops with five sustaining serious injuries, according to sources familiar with the incident. Military officials initially confirmed that a minimum of 10 American service members were hurt, with two suffering severe wounds.
Additional U.S. military assets are now deploying to the Middle East region, including approximately 2,500 Marines aboard a Navy vessel that arrived Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, along with components of the Japan-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, was redirected from training operations near Taiwan nearly two weeks ago.
Central Command reported that the Tripoli deployment includes transport helicopters, strike fighter jets, and amphibious assault capabilities for the region. The USS Boxer and two additional vessels carrying another Marine Expeditionary Unit have received orders to deploy from San Diego.
During Friday remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated America could achieve its goals “without any ground troops.” However, he emphasized that Trump “has to be prepared for multiple contingencies” and that military personnel are positioned “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum, opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge.”
The Saudi installation had previously been targeted twice earlier this week, including one assault that wounded 14 American troops, according to anonymous sources not authorized for public comment.
Located approximately 60 miles from Riyadh, the Saudi capital, the facility operates under Royal Saudi Air Force control while hosting U.S. personnel. The base has faced repeated attacks since the conflict began one month ago Saturday.
Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, age 26, sustained injuries during a March 1 strike on the installation and died several days afterward. He represents one of 13 military personnel killed during the war.
Pentagon officials did not immediately respond to Saturday inquiries regarding American casualties at the Saudi facility.
Central Command confirmed Friday that more than 300 service members have sustained injuries throughout the conflict. The majority have resumed their duties, though 30 remain unable to serve and 10 are classified as seriously injured.
Tehran has retaliated against American and Israeli operations with counterstrikes targeting Israel and nearby Gulf Arab nations. The warfare has disrupted international aviation, interrupted petroleum exports, and driven fuel costs higher. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping channel, has intensified economic consequences.
As economic impacts spread globally, President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure to break Iran’s control of the strategic waterway. The recent Saudi base attacks occurred following Trump’s assertion that discussions to resolve the conflict were progressing “very well.”
Trump announced he had established an April 6 deadline for Tehran to reopen the strait. Iranian officials deny participating in any diplomatic talks.
