Death toll in US-Israel strikes reach 780 as Iran claims over 500 US soldiers killed or wounded in retaliation

2026-03-04 - 04:23

TEHRAN – The ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified, with the death toll surpassing 780 in Iran. According to Iranian media reports, over 787 people have lost their lives, with hundreds more injured, as a result of continuous US and Israeli attacks on Iranian soil. The victims primarily include civilians, with the Iranian Red Crescent Society confirming the figures. Human rights groups, based in the US, reported that at least 742 Iranian civilians have died in the attacks, including 176 children. These figures represent the severe toll on Iranian society as the violence continues. In response to these escalating attacks, Iran has launched fresh missile and drone strikes against Israel and US allies. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially declared the commencement of the 16th wave of retaliation against Israel. According to the IRGC, multiple ballistic missiles have been fired at specific military and strategic locations within Israel. Additionally, large numbers of drones have also been directed towards Israeli targets. Over 500 US Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Iranian Attacks The Iranian government claims that these strikes have inflicted significant casualties on US forces in the region. Iranian media suggested that at least 560 US soldiers have been killed or wounded in the recent waves of attacks. Iran also claims responsibility for striking the US aircraft carrier, Abraham Lincoln, with four missiles. Furthermore, Iranian forces have reportedly targeted three oil tankers, one British and two American, in the waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels are reportedly still ablaze. Israel Launches Fresh Strikes Meanwhile, Israeli forces have launched fresh strikes on Iran. Intense bombing raids have reportedly rocked Tehran, with powerful explosions heard across the capital. Iranian air defense systems have responded, with reports indicating heavy anti-aircraft gunfire lighting up the skies above Tehran. In response to the escalating violence, Israel has extended its state of emergency across the country until March 12 and placed security forces on high alert. US Centcom Claims to Severely Damaging Iranian Defence In a post on X, US Centcom Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said: “We have severely degraded Iran’s air defences and destroyed hundreds of Iran’s ballistic missiles, launchers and drones”. “In simple terms, we’re focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us.” The US military has claimed to have destroyed 17 Iranian ships and hit nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, reports Reuters. Lebanon’s health ministry said on Wednesday that Israeli strikes on two towns south of Beirut killed six people and wounded eight, AFP reports.