USS Abraham Lincoln supports Operation Epic Fury

Pentagon says about 140 U.S. troops have been injured in Iran war so far, 8 severely

The Pentagon said Tuesday that about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded in conflict with Iran.

"The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an emailed statement. Eight are currently "severely injured," Parnell added.

READ MORE: Kentucky soldier stationed in Saudi Arabia is 7th U.S. military death in Iran war

These numbers are the first insight into the broader toll of injuries sustained by U.S. troops after a barrage of retaliatory rocket and drone strikes from Iran that also killed seven soldiers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

First 2 days of Iran war cost the U.S. $5 billion in munitions alone

An estimate the Pentagon sent to Congress does not appear to include other war-related expenses besides munitions, according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the private briefing.

The tally is higher than previous estimates by outside analysts, and the daily amount is expected to fluctuate. The war is currently in its 11th day.

The Trump administration has said it may seek supplemental war funds from Congress, but several lawmakers have insisted they would refuse to approve any more money for the Pentagon.

The annual Defense bill sent some $838 billion to the Pentagon earlier this year and the Defense Department was provided $150 billion in extra funds last year as part of Trump's big tax breaks bill that became law.

Senator 'dissatisfied and angry' after classified briefing

"I am left with more questions than answers, especially about the cost of the war," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told reporters after a classified briefing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The potential deployment of American ground troops to achieve Trump administration objectives is Blumenthal's biggest concern. He's also worried about Russia and China assisting Iran.

"The American people deserve to know much more than this administration has told them about the cost of the war, the danger to our sons and daughters in uniform, and the potential for further escalation," Blumenthal said.

A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue.