---
title: "US strikes in Iran kill 13 military personnel, civilian toll rises to 18"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-09-03T14:46:14.343Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-03T14:17:21.890Z"
updated: "2026-09-03T16:00:12.640Z"
trust_score: 70
critic_score: 55
hype_score: 35
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-03T16:00:12.264903+00:00"
---

# US strikes in Iran kill 13 military personnel, civilian toll rises to 18

*Iranian state media report six more deaths from Tuesday's attacks, naming three pilots among the dead*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 70 of 100, higher is better. All outlets cite Tasnim; two name pilots; no independent verification.
- Craft 55 of 100, higher is better. No affected parties quoted; civilian toll omitted in most digests.
- Hype 35 of 100, lower is better. Some digests inflate regional impact beyond reported facts.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Iranian state media reported 13 military personnel killed in US strikes this week, including six newly confirmed deaths on Thursday.
- Three pilots were named among the dead: Mojtaba Bagheri, Hamed Okati, and Hossein Mahdavian, as reported by Anadolu Ajansı.
- Civilian casualties reached 18 between 30 August and 2 September, with 142 injured, according to Iranian authorities.
- The US has reported 18 military personnel killed and over 750 wounded since late February.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on 3 September 2026 that six more military personnel had been killed in US strikes earlier in the week. The deaths brought the total number of Iranian military personnel killed in the strikes to at least 13. Tasnim had previously reported seven military deaths from the same wave of attacks.

Anadolu Ajansı named three of the dead as pilots: Mojtaba Bagheri and Hamed Okati, who served with the Iranian navy, and Hossein Mahdavian, who served with the air force. The agency did not specify where or how they were killed. Tasnim reported that the six newly confirmed deaths included three pilots, but did not name them.

Iranian authorities reported 18 civilian deaths and 142 injuries from US strikes between 30 August and 2 September. The fatalities included four people attending a wedding in Sirik, southern Hormozgan province, according to the Jerusalem Post. The US has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded in the conflict since late February.

## Disagreements in the reports

The reports disagree on the total number of military personnel killed in the latest strikes. Tasnim reported 13 military deaths, as carried by the Jerusalem Post and The Straits Times. Anadolu Ajansı reported nine military deaths, naming three pilots and six navy personnel. The discrepancy is unresolved in the reports.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated reports below mention the four civilian deaths at a wedding in Sirik, southern Hormozgan province, which the Jerusalem Post included. No left-rated outlet ran the story at all.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 11 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 9% (1)
- Centre: 18% (2)
- Right: 73% (8)

35 of 46 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-03T16:00:12.264903+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-03T16:30:09.976Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

No separate framing summary.

### Centre

- The Jerusalem Post led on the updated military death toll of 13, reporting that Tasnim had confirmed six more deaths. It included the civilian toll of 18 and the broader context of the conflict, which began in late February. The report also named the four branches of the Iranian military that had suffered casualties: the regular military, the Basij paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, and the IRGC Navy.
- The Jerusalem Post quoted an Iranian health ministry official on the civilian deaths and injuries, and included the US military’s reported casualties. It described the strikes as the "most extensive for weeks" and noted that Iranian military casualties had been reported periodically without official confirmation of overall tolls.

### Right

- All six right-rated digests led on the deaths of Iranian military personnel, with Anadolu Ajansı naming the three pilots killed. The digests from The Straits Times, Asharq AL-awsat, dagelijksestandaard.nl, Reformatorisch Dagblad, and vz.ru reported the military death toll as either nine or 13, without resolving the discrepancy.
- Anadolu Ajansı’s full report focused on the pilots’ deaths and included the civilian toll of 18. It described the strikes as part of a "latest round of fighting" that began with a US strike on Iran’s Larak Island on 30 August. The report noted that Tehran had retaliated with missiles and drones against US military facilities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 5
- high: 4
- unknown: 35
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [nafeza2world.com](https://nafeza2world.com/Akhbar-Al-Alm/2769232) — Iranian Media Window: 9 Soldiers Killed by American Strikes
- [dialogos.com.cy](https://dialogos.com.cy/exi-meli-toy-iranikoy-polemikoy-naytikoy-skotothikan-tin-triti-se-amerikanikes-epitheseis) — Six Iranian Navy Personnel Killed in US Strikes on Tuesday
- [vijesti.me](https://vijesti.me/svijet/globus/825039/broj-iranskih-vojnika-za-koje-je-objavljeno-da-su-poginuli-u-americkim-napadima-ove-sedmice-porastao-na-13) — The Number of Iranian Soldiers Reported Killed in US Strikes This Week Has Risen to 13
- [Jerusalem Post](https://jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-907510) — Number of Iranian military personnel reported killed by US strikes this week rises to 13
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/3-iranian-military-pilots-killed-in-recent-us-attack-report/4046498) — 3 Iranian military pilots killed in recent US attack: Report
- [MARINE & OCÉANS](https://marine-oceans.com/actualites/iran-six-membres-de-la-marine-tues-mardi-dans-des-attaques-americaines-media-iranien) — Iran: Six Navy Operatives Killed on Tuesday in U.S. Attacks (Iranian Media)
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/number-of-iranian-military-personnel-reported-killed-by-us-strikes-this-week-rises-to-13) — Number of Iranian military personnel reported killed by US strikes this week rises to 13
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/03/number-of-iranian-military-personnel-reported-killed-by-us-strikes-this-week-rises-to-13) — Number of Iranian military personnel reported killed by US strikes this week rises to 13
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1327865/iran-eksi-nekri-nautes-apo-tis-amerikanikes-epidromes) — Iran: Six Sailors Killed by US Strikes
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/eidiseis/423328/exi-meli-toy-iranikoy-polemikoy-naytikoy-skotothikan-se-amerikanikes-epitheseis) — Six Iranian Navy Personnel Killed in US Attacks
- [Utusan Online](https://utusan.com.my/luar-negara/2026/09/enam-askar-iran-maut-dalam-serangan-as) — Six Iranian Soldiers Killed in US Strike
- [El Comercio](https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/oriente-medio/iran-confirma-que-seis-miembros-de-la-armada-murieron-en-ataques-de-estados-unidos-el-martes-donald-trump-noticia) — Iran Confirms Six Navy Members Killed in U.S. Attacks on Tuesday · Global Voices
- [BAKU.WS: Xəbəriniz olsun](https://baku.ws/politics/iranda-abs-nin-hucumu-neticesinde-6-herbci-oldurulub) — 6 Soldiers Killed in US Attack in Iran
- [Al Arabiya](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2026/09/03/iran-media-say-6-navy-personnel-killed-in-us-attacks-) — Iran media say six navy personnel killed in US attacks
- [Asharq AL-awsat](https://english.aawsat.com/world/5314273-iran-media-says-6-navy-personnel-killed-us-attacks) — Iran Media Says 6 Navy Personnel Killed in US Attacks
- [القدس العربي](https://alquds.co.uk/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A) — Six Iranian Marines Were Killed in American Attacks and the Revolutionary Guard Is Promising Revenge.
- [Unknown](https://aajtak.in/world/story/three-iranian-pilots-killed-in-us-attacks-this-week-iran-war-ntcppl-rpti-2635561-2026-09-03) — Three Pilots Killed, Airstrikes Even on the Wedding pavilion... US Retaliates Against Iran!
- [express.pk](https://express.pk/story/2830721/six-iranian-navy-personnel-3-pilots-killed-us-strikes-2830721) — 21 People, Including 6 Iranian Navy Personnel and 3 Pilots, Were Martyred; 140 Injured in US Attacks
- [Apa](https://apa.az/asia/abs-ordusunun-hucumlari-neticesinde-iran-deniz-quvvelerinin-6-herbcisi-oldurulub-993497) — Six Iranian Navy Sailors Killed in US Airstrikes
- [OnAlert](https://onalert.gr/kosmos/iran-anakoinose-to-thanato-stelexon-tou-polemikou-naytikou-apo-ta-amerikanika-pligmata/817007) — Iran: Announces the Death of Navy Personnel From US Strikes
- [welingelichtekringen.nl](https://welingelichtekringen.nl/samenleving/iraanse-staatspers-negen-militairen-omgekomen-bij-vs-aanvallen) — Iranian State Press: Nine Soldiers Killed in US Attacks
- [dagelijksestandaard.nl](https://dagelijksestandaard.nl/nieuws/iraanse-staatspers-negen-militairen-omgekomen-bij-vs-aanvallen) — Iranian State Press: Nine Soldiers Killed in US Attacks
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2156747/tasnim-6-meli-toy-iranikoy-polemikoy-naytikoy-skotothikan-apo-amerikanikes-epitheseis-tin-triti) — Tasnim: 6 Iranian Navy Personnel Killed in US Strikes on Tuesday
- [Reformatorisch Dagblad](https://rd.nl/a/1161464-iraanse-staatspers-negen-militairen-omgekomen-bij-vs-aanvallen) — Iranian State Press: Nine Soldiers Killed in US Attacks
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4014388/iran-exi-meli-tou-iranikou-polemikou-nautikou-skotothikan-tin-triti-se-amerikanikes-epitheseis) — Iran: Six Members of the Iranian Navy Were Killed Tuesday in US Attacks
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/229643_exi-nekroi-sto-iraniko-polemiko-naytiko-apo-amerikanikes-epitheseis-symfona-me-mme) — Iran: Six Sailors Killed in US Attack, Iranian Media Say
- [NEWSru.co.il](https://newsru.co.il/mideast/3sep2026/fliers_202.html) — Iran Reported the Deaths of Three Military Pilots as a Result of American Attacks
- [IMLebanon](https://imlebanon.org/2026/09/03/iran-soldiers-deaths-2) — Six Iranian Naval Personnel Killed in US Attacks
- [Unknown](https://khabaronline.ir/news/2269460/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-%DB%B3-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7-%D8%B9%DA%A9%D8%B3) — Three Pilots and Three Army Personnel Martyred in US Attack + Photos
- [Insider Paper](https://insiderpaper.com/iran-media-say-six-iranian-navy-personnel-killed-in-us-attacks-tuesday) — Iran media say six Iranian navy personnel killed in US attacks Tuesday
- [snn.ir](https://snn.ir/fa/news/1450310/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-3-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7) — 3 Army Pilots Martyred in US Attack
- [Free Press Kashmir](https://freepresskashmir.news/2026/09/03/iranian-media-says-three-pilots-among-dead-in-latest-us-strikes) — Iranian media says three pilots among dead in latest US strikes
- [fararu.com](https://fararu.com/fa/news/999338/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7) — 3 Iranian Army Pilots Martyred in US Attack
- [asriran.com](https://asriran.com/fa/news/1189071/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-3-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7) — 3 Army Pilots Martyred in US Attack
- [entekhab.ir](https://entekhab.ir/fa/news/937765/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-3-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-2-%D8%B4%D8%A8-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7) — 3 Army Airmen Testify in U.S. Attack 2 Nights Earlier
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/747857944b4a976e) — Iran claims three pilots killed in recent US strike
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/3/1448533.html) — American Strikes Resulted in the Death of Three Iranian Military Pilots
- [Unknown](https://srugim.co.il/101010266-3-%D7%98%D7%99%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%A0%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%92%D7%95-%D7%91%D7%AA%D7%A7%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%94-%D7%94%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%90%D7%99%D7%AA) — Three Iranian Pilots Killed in US Strike - Full Details
- [tabnak.ir](https://tabnak.ir/fa/news/1392745/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%AA-3-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%B4-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7) — 3 Iranian Army Pilots Martyred in US Attack
- [DiarioBitcoin](https://diariobitcoin.com/noticias/ataque-de-ee-uu-habria-matado-a-tres-pilotos-iranies-y-eleva-el-riesgo-de-represalias) — U.S. Attack Reportedly Killed Three Iranian Pilots and Raises the Risk of Retaliation
- [sawaleif.com](https://sawaleif.com/%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84-3-%D8%B7%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%81-1104236) — Tensim: 3 Iranian Army Pilots Killed in the Recent American Attack
- [hathalyoum.net](https://hathalyoum.net/articles/4224545) — TS: Three Iranian Army Pilots Were Killed in the American Attack This Week.
- [Cryptocurrency News | Cryptocurrency Prices | Market Cap](https://cryptocurrency.com.tr/us-strike-kills-three-iranian-pilots-escalating-conflict-with-iran-tasnim-364323) — US strike kills three Iranian pilots, escalating conflict with Iran: Tasnim
- [Crypto Briefing](https://cryptobriefing.com/us-strike-kills-three-iranian-pilots-escalating-conflict-with-iran-tasnim) — US strike kills three Iranian pilots, escalating conflict with Iran: Tasnim
- [Al-Monitor](https://al-monitor.com/originals/2026/09/number-iranian-military-personnel-reported-killed-us-strikes-week-rises-13) — Number of Iranian military personnel reported killed by US strikes this week rises to 13
- [Terra](https://terra.com.br/noticias/mundo/tres-pilotos-do-exercito-iraniano-morreram-em-ataques-dos-eua-nesta-semana-diz-agencia,82dd19db02f0334706876c43a118c3a1czers0i4.html) — Three Iranian Army Pilots Died in U.S. Attacks This Week, Says Agency

## Questions

**How many Iranian military personnel were killed in the US strikes?**

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported 13 military personnel killed in US strikes this week, including six newly confirmed deaths. Anadolu Ajansı reported nine military deaths, naming three pilots and six navy personnel. The discrepancy remains unresolved in the reports.

**Who were the three pilots killed in the US strikes?**

Anadolu Ajansı named the three pilots as Mojtaba Bagheri and Hamed Okati, who served with the Iranian navy, and Hossein Mahdavian, who served with the air force. Tasnim reported three pilots among the dead but did not name them.

**What was the civilian toll from the US strikes?**

Iranian authorities reported 18 civilian deaths and 142 injuries from US strikes between 30 August and 2 September. The Jerusalem Post reported that four of the dead were attending a wedding in Sirik, southern Hormozgan province.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "US strikes in Iran kill 13 military personnel, civilian toll rises to 18", https://mediabias.news/conflict/us-strikes-in-iran-kill-13-military-personnel-civilian-toll-rises-to-18