Iran claims 200+ US troops killed as Tehran warns Israel

TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that more than 200 US military personnel were killed and many others wounded during Iranian retaliatory attacks amid the latest escalation between Tehran and Washington.

The claim, however, has not been independently verified, and no immediate confirmation or denial of the reported US casualties was available from American officials.

IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi rejected figures released by Washington, arguing that they did not reflect the full extent of losses suffered by US forces during the conflict.

Speaking to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Mohebbi said Iranian forces had targeted US military facilities across the region. He claimed that eight American military centers were struck and that around 20 protective shelters at one location were destroyed.

The IRGC spokesman challenged Washington to allow journalists access to the affected military sites, saying such visits would reveal the extent of the damage. He accused US authorities of withholding information about casualties and military losses.

Iran claims major US aircraft losses

Mohebbi also claimed that Iranian attacks during roughly two weeks of fighting destroyed 11 US warplanes and helicopters on the ground.

According to the IRGC account, the reported losses included an F-15 fighter jet, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, a C-17 transport aircraft and eight aerial refueling planes. Iran also claimed that 17 reconnaissance and operational drones were destroyed, including eight described as brand-new.

The claims represent a potentially significant escalation in Tehran’s portrayal of the conflict. Independent confirmation of the reported aircraft losses has not emerged, and the locations of the alleged strikes have not been publicly specified.

The statements came as tensions between Iran and the United States remained high, even as diplomatic contacts appeared to be continuing. Reports indicate that Washington and Tehran have exchanged messages through intermediaries, although major differences and deep mistrust remain.

IRGC issues warning to Israel

Iran also issued a fresh warning to Israel, saying Tel Aviv could face serious consequences if it re-enters the conflict.

The IRGC said Iranian forces were closely monitoring the possibility of Israeli involvement and had prepared their strategy accordingly.

The latest claims add another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation. With casualty figures and battlefield damage disputed by the opposing sides, the coming days could determine whether the confrontation moves toward diplomacy—or another dangerous round of escalation.