US commerce secretary erroneously said no Americans have died in Iran war, Trump claims
President said Howard Lutnick had Venezuela operation on his mind when he was discussing Iran war on CNBC
TL;DR
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mistakenly claimed no Americans had died in the war with Iran.
- President Trump corrected Lutnick, stating that 18 US service members had been killed.
- Lutnick attributed his error to thinking about a previous US operation in Venezuela.
- The Pentagon has confirmed 18 US service member deaths in the conflict with Iran.
- Iranian authorities reported heavy casualties from recent US strikes, including civilian deaths.
- The conflict has led to rising oil prices and public disapproval in the US.
- The US military states it does not target civilians and is reviewing reports of casualties.