Washington, March 11 (NationPress) Approximately 140 US military personnel have sustained injuries within the initial 10 days of continuous assaults related to the American military operations against Iran, according to the Pentagon. This revelation occurred as Senate Democrats called for public hearings regarding President Donald Trump's military actions in the Middle East.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell shared the casualty numbers in a statement about the ongoing conflict.

“Since the onset of Operation Epic Fury, around 140 US personnel have been injured during these 10 days of relentless attacks,” Parnell informed IANS in a statement.

“Most of these injuries are minor, and 108 personnel have returned to active duty. However, eight service members are classified as severely injured and are receiving top-tier medical treatment,” Parnell stated.

No further details were given by the Pentagon regarding the specifics of the injuries or locations of the attacks.

This disclosure coincides with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen calling for public hearings to seek clarity from the Trump administration about the objectives and extent of the military engagement.

“The shifting goals and explanations indicate a lack of a clear strategy. This raises concerns about mission creep, which historically leads to increased US casualties and higher taxpayer costs. The American citizens, including those serving, deserve transparent answers regarding the conflict and accountability from your administration,” the senators wrote.

In a letter addressed to the president, the lawmakers expressed that both Congress and the public still lack understanding regarding the administration’s military strategy.

“Eleven days ago, the American populace unexpectedly found itself in a conflict with Iran. Since that moment, despite the widespread public concern regarding this war, your administration has presented fluctuating and at times contradictory objectives for the conflict, neglected to clarify the scope of US operations or metrics for success, and failed to define a conclusion,” the letter stated.

The senators also pointed out that the administration did not account for the risks associated with the military actions.

“Despite your own acknowledgment that you controlled the timing of the US strikes on Iran, your administration did not adequately prepare for the foreseeable risks that military actions would impose on our personnel and assets globally. Consequently, thousands of Americans have been left stranded abroad as drones and missiles target hotels and airports, damaging diplomatic facilities. Tragically, American service members have lost their lives,” they wrote.

The lawmakers cautioned that the economic repercussions of the conflict are already impacting American households.

They noted that fuel prices have surged nearly 20% in the week following the escalation of the conflict, with crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel—the highest since 2022.

The senators urged the administration to permit key cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to testify before Congress.

“Public hearings would serve as a crucial initial step to uphold your oath, inform Congress, and explain your actions to the American populace whose sons and daughters are on the front lines,” the senators wrote.

The conflict erupted after the US initiated military operations against Iran in late February, with longstanding tensions between Washington and Tehran revolving around Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and support for armed factions across the Middle East.

This escalation has heightened concerns within Washington and among US allies regarding the potential for a prolonged regional conflict and its possible ramifications on global energy markets and international security.