U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick issued a public apology on Thursday for stating that no Americans had died in the ongoing war with Iran, a claim that contradicted official military reports.
Lutnick acknowledged 18 service members have been killed in the conflict, which began on February 28, and expressed regret for his remarks during a CNBC interview on Wednesday. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated: “I misspoke. Eighteen members of our military have died, and to those families my heart breaks and I am so very sorry for their loss. I was thinking about the Venezuelan military operation where no service members died.”
President Donald Trump addressed the controversy on Truth Social, writing: “Sec. Lutnick had Venezuela on his mind when he said nobody was killed. 18 people were killed in Iran!”
Immediate Response and Accountability
Lutnick’s apology followed Trump’s public correction, which highlighted the discrepancy between the secretary’s statement and Department of Defense records. The 18 confirmed fatalities include service members killed in attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17 and 18, as well as other incidents reported since the conflict’s escalation.
Lutnick’s statement on X emphasized his regret, adding: “I was deeply thankful for our military while noting my brother and hundreds of other close friends and colleagues were killed during the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.”
Context and Background of the Conflict
The six-month-old war with Iran has involved airstrikes, economic sanctions, and military engagements targeting Iranian-backed forces. According to Pentagon reports, more than 750 U.S. service members have been wounded in the conflict.
Key fatalities include:
- Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, from Carrollton, Texas (died July 17).
- First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii (died July 18).
- Captain Cody A. Khork, 35 (exact date and location unspecified in reports).
The administration has framed the conflict as an economic strategy to isolate Iran, though critics argue the approach has contributed to rising gasoline prices and economic strain domestically.
Political Reactions and Statements
Trump’s Truth Social post framed Lutnick’s error as a misstatement tied to Venezuela, though the CNBC interview did not mention Venezuela. The president’s response underscored the 18 confirmed deaths, reinforcing the administration’s position on the conflict.
Lutnick’s apology did not address whether his remarks were deliberate or accidental, nor did it clarify why Venezuela was referenced. The Commerce Department has not provided further details beyond his statement on X.
Ongoing Military and Diplomatic Developments
The U.S. military continues operations in the region, with additional deployments and airstrikes reported in recent weeks. The economic sanctions imposed on Iran remain a central component of the administration’s strategy, though their effectiveness has been debated.
No further statements have been issued by the White House or Pentagon regarding Lutnick’s remarks or the broader conflict. The next scheduled briefings are pending, with lawmakers expected to seek clarification in upcoming hearings.