Iran has claimed that several United States soldiers were captured during ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel, a claim strongly denied by Washington as the conflict in the Middle East enters its second week.
The statement was made by Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, who said Iranian forces had taken “a number” of American troops prisoner since fighting began.
Larijani said the alleged captures occurred during Iran’s military response to what he described as a coordinated offensive by the United States and Israel.
“Reports indicate that several American soldiers have been taken prisoner since the start of hostilities,” Larijani said, adding that Iranian authorities had verified the situation.
He further accused the United States government of attempting to conceal the development from the public.
“The American government is reporting casualties selectively, but we have confirmed that a number of their troops have been captured and are now under Iranian control,” he said. “This cannot be hidden for long.”
The claim was quickly rejected by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which described the report as false.
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said no American service members had been captured by Iranian forces.
“These reports are false and deceptive. No American service members have been taken prisoner by Iranian forces,” Hawkins said in a statement.
He added that the U.S. military continues to monitor developments across the region and remains fully aware of operational conditions.
The competing claims come amid a week of intense military exchanges following large-scale strikes launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iranian military facilities.
Since then, Iran has carried out multiple retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military installations and strategic sites across the Gulf region.
Both sides have reported casualties. Iranian authorities say more than 1,300 civilians have been killed since the start of the conflict, while U.S. officials have acknowledged several military deaths.
Analysts say the claims surrounding captured soldiers may also be part of the broader information battle accompanying the military confrontation.
Iran has repeatedly accused Washington of spreading misinformation about the war, while U.S. officials have warned that Tehran is using propaganda to influence global perception and strengthen domestic morale.
Independent verification of Iran’s claim has not been made, and no international agency has confirmed that American troops are being held in Iran.
Strategic Concerns
Beyond the battlefield, the conflict is also raising fears about wider regional instability.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, remains under heavy military tension. Any disruption to the waterway could significantly affect global energy supplies and international markets.
Larijani warned that U.S. forces operating in the region should exercise caution, saying Iran reserves the right to escalate its operations if necessary.
“This conflict has entered a phase where missteps by the United States could have serious consequences,” he said.
Despite the ongoing exchanges of accusations and military strikes, diplomats and international observers continue to call for independent verification of battlefield claims and renewed efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the Middle East.
