The Pentagon reported more than 750 U.S. service members wounded since the Iran war began in late February, with the toll rising further this week.

According to Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) data, the figure combines casualties from "Operation Epic Fury" with updated totals under the newer "Overseas Operations" category. The Overseas Operations category began tracking casualties on July 7, coinciding with the resumption of U.S. airstrikes on Iran following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Casualty Breakdown

At the time of the resumed airstrikes, President Donald Trump notified Congress that he was extending authorized military action for 60 days. The U.S.-Iran conflict is set to enter its seventh month, with no signs of a permanent truce.

Escalation and Scrutiny

Trump announced this week the "most crushing economic operation ever" against Iran, stating, "This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale." Talks between Tehran and Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled.

The Pentagon faces scrutiny after news outlets and Democratic lawmakers criticized a previous decrease in the number of U.S. service members killed and wounded in action recorded in the DCAS database.

Vice President JD Vance has endorsed President Donald Trump’s economic measures against Iran, citing them as effective in reopening the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas transit.

Strait of Hormuz and Oil Flow

During an interview on The Clay and Buck Show, Vance stated that oil prices had "come down substantially from their high point" because the US military enabled the movement of oil and gas through the waterway. Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed this assessment.

Vance described the Strait as a "leverage point" for Iran. He noted that increasing transport volumes would provide Americans with "ease at the pump" while punishing Tehran for targeting commercial ships. The administration aims to prevent Iranian attacks on vessels, which Vance claimed they have been "quite successful" at curbing.

Economic Pressure Strategy

Vance characterized the situation as a "new phase" where economic pressure is the "most effective tool" available. The strategy targets Iran’s weapons manufacturing capabilities and aims for denuclearization. He warned that the situation remains "delicate," as Iran might attempt to apply reciprocal economic pressure on the US.

EPA Fuel Waiver and Diesel Prices

The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency fuel waiver on Thursday to allow an early shift to winter gasoline blends. This move is expected to increase supply by hundreds of thousands of barrels per day and lower pump prices.

Meanwhile, diesel prices remained elevated. The diesel crack spread, representing refiners’ profit margins for converting crude into diesel, reached $102/bbl.