Washington: A total of 140 US service members have been wounded since the start of American and Israeli attacks on Iran, with eight severely injured, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Anadolu on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Parnell stated that the vast majority of the injuries are minor, with 108 service members having already returned to duty. He noted that the eight severely injured personnel are receiving "the highest level of medical care."

These figures are in addition to the eight service members who have been killed since the onset of the conflict. Former President Donald Trump has acknowledged that such casualties were expected, suggesting that the conflict would ultimately be "a great deal for the world."

The escalation in the Middle East has intensified since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28. The offensive has reportedly resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that host US military assets.