Iran has claimed that several United States soldiers have been captured during the ongoing hostilities between Tehran and the US–Israeli alliance, a development that Washington has strongly denied as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, announced that “a number” of American troops were taken prisoner since the conflict began roughly a week ago. According to him, the captures occurred during military confrontations between Iranian forces and US units operating in the region.
Larijani stated that Iran had verified the situation and accused the United States government of deliberately withholding the information from the public.
“Reports indicate that several American soldiers have been taken prisoner since the start of hostilities,” he said. “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. This cannot be hidden for long.”
However, the claims have not been independently confirmed.
In a swift response, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected the allegation. A spokesperson for the command, Captain Tim Hawkins, described the report as false and misleading.
“These reports are false and deceptive. No American service members have been taken prisoner by Iranian forces,” Hawkins said, adding that US forces are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining full operational awareness.
The dispute comes amid intensified military exchanges across the region.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, both sides have launched a series of missile and drone strikes targeting strategic positions.
Iran says its attacks have focused on US military installations in the Gulf, while US and allied forces maintain that their operations are aimed at Iranian military infrastructure and leadership targets.
Casualty figures remain disputed.
Iranian authorities claim that more than 1,300 civilians have died since the strikes began, while US officials report limited military casualties within their ranks.
Analysts note that the conflicting claims may also reflect a growing information battle between both sides. Statements about captured soldiers or battlefield losses can influence public perception, strengthen domestic morale, and shape the international narrative surrounding the conflict.
Meanwhile, the situation has raised fresh concerns about stability in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments, has become a focal point of military tension. Continued attacks and missile tests in the area have already triggered fears of potential disruptions to international energy supplies.
International observers have called for caution and urged independent verification of the claims. As of now, no neutral organisation or international media outlet has confirmed that US personnel are being held by Iranian forces.
Larijani warned that the conflict could intensify if tensions continue to escalate, cautioning that US troops operating in the region face increasing risks.
“This conflict has entered a phase where missteps by the United States could have serious consequences,” he said.
Diplomatic observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict expands further or moves toward de-escalation.
