Former CIA Director Criticizes Trump Administration's Information Release on Iran War

Former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta criticized the Trump administration's handling of casualty information related to the Iran war, describing it as 'shameful.' He noted that, aside from the announcement of 18 American soldier fatalities, the Pentagon has provided limited information regarding injuries to U.S. troops and damage to military assets. Panetta stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not managing the information release appropriately, claiming there is a deliberate effort to withhold information from the public. He emphasized the importance of transparency in wartime responsibilities. Since President Trump initiated military action against Iran on February 28, approximately 430 U.S. troops have been reported injured, with the Pentagon indicating that 100 service members sustained injuries since July 7, although 96% have returned to duty. Lawmakers have called for greater transparency regarding the war's costs and the impact on U.S. bases. Hegseth has reportedly been reluctant to discuss these issues, even when prompted by Congress. The Department of Defense and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Additionally, Hegseth has been accused of dismissing senior Pentagon staff who contradicted his statements about the war and has faced criticism for his treatment of the media, with some journalists losing credentials.