The Pentagon has revised the official death toll of U.S. service members in the ongoing conflict with Iran, increasing the number of fatalities to 21. This adjustment was made in the Defense Casualty Analysis System on October 9, reflecting a higher count than previously reported.

Among the total deaths, two were attributed to noncombat-related causes. Maj. Sorffly Davius, a 46-year-old Army National Guard member from Queens, New York, died in Kuwait on March 6. In September, a Navy servicemember died by suicide, according to an unnamed Pentagon official. A third death occurred during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. military’s campaign against ISIS; Sgt. Devin A. Seibel, 26, died in Iraq in May following a training accident.

This correction comes amid heightened congressional scrutiny over how the Pentagon tracks casualties in the Iran conflict, which has persisted for over seven months. The updated figures also indicate that 865 U.S. troops have been wounded since the war began. Earlier reports suggested official counts were lower than reality, a claim initially denied by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who labeled the reports as false.

Lawmakers, including Rep. Adam Smith of Washington and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, criticized the Pentagon’s handling of casualty data. They called the previous errors unacceptable and emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the reporting process. Senate Democrats have similarly expressed concern over inconsistencies in the Defense Casualty Analysis System.

Earlier controversies involved the temporary removal of four deaths from the casualty database in July. These deaths, initially recorded under Operation Epic Fury—the military’s designation for the Iran conflict—were later reclassified under a newly created category termed “Overseas Operations.” This change followed President Donald Trump’s announcement ending Operation Epic Fury even as hostilities with Iran continued.

The Iran war has faced widespread opposition among the American public. It has also contributed to increased fuel prices nationwide, prompting the Trump administration to seek assistance from Russia to ease the burden on consumers. The conflict has placed considerable strain on U.S. military personnel and resources, with costs estimated at $43.6 billion as of early September. More than 50,000 American service members have been deployed to the Middle East to support ongoing operations.