The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States continues to escalate, with both sides making strong claims about damage inflicted on the other. An Iranian state-affiliated media report has now alleged significant US military casualties within the first week of the war.

Iran claims over 3,000 US casualties

According to a report by Hindustan Times citing Press TV, an outlet affiliated with Iran, at least 200 American soldiers were killed and over 3,000 were wounded in the opening week of the conflict that began on February 28. The report, citing an Iranian intelligence official, said the assessment of US losses, both human and material, was shared with Tehran by extra-regional sources.

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The claims have not been independently verified.

The same Iranian official described the situation for US and Israeli military resources as "very serious". As per the report, the US allegedly lost 150 missile launch platforms, 23 Patriot air defence systems, and 37 aircraft and helicopters.

The official also claimed that 43 per cent of Washington's arms stock has been wiped out.

US counters with its own claims

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran's military capabilities have been severely degraded by American strikes.

"Militarily, we've essentially--as far as I'm concerned--we've essentially defeated Iran. I guess they can have a little bit of a fight back, but not much. Not much. We've taken out their air forces, as you know. We've taken out their air defence. They have no air defence whatsoever," he said.

Escalation near key strategic zones

The report surfaced shortly before the US launched attacks using 5,000-pound buster bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route that has seen disruptions since the conflict began.

In a separate development, a projectile reportedly struck near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iranian authorities informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the incident caused no damage or injuries.

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Iran has also continued its offensive operations across the region. Reports suggest that Tehran launched missiles carrying cluster warheads towards Israel, using systems such as the Khorramshahr 4 and Qadr missiles.

As both sides continue to exchange strikes and claims, the conflict shows little indication of de-escalation in the near term.