Iran Strikes Saudi Base, Injuring US Troops

More American forces deployed to Middle East as casualties mount in ongoing conflict

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18pm

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The number of American troops wounded in the ongoing conflict with Iran has surpassed 300, with over two dozen injured this week in a missile and drone attack on a Saudi air base. The U.S. has responded by deploying additional forces to the region, including a Navy ship carrying around 2,500 Marines.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran has led to a growing number of American casualties, raising concerns about the scope and duration of the military operations. The attacks on Saudi bases, which are used by U.S. troops, underscore Iran's ability to strike American forces in the region and the challenges facing the U.S. in containing the conflict.

The details

In the latest attack, Iran fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan air base, injuring at least 15 troops, including five seriously. U.S. officials initially reported that at least 10 U.S. troops were injured, with two seriously wounded. The base, which is used by both Saudi and U.S. forces, has been targeted multiple times since the start of the conflict a month ago.

  • The latest attack on the Saudi base occurred on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has been ongoing for one month as of Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was wounded during a March 1 attack on the base and died days later.

The players

Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran, which has responded to attacks by the U.S. and Israel with strikes against Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states.

United States

The U.S. government, which has deployed additional forces to the Middle East in response to the escalating conflict with Iran.

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose Prince Sultan air base has been targeted multiple times by Iranian attacks.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State, who stated that the U.S. can meet its objectives 'without any ground troops' but that Trump 'has to be prepared for multiple contingencies'.

Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington

A 26-year-old U.S. Army sergeant who was wounded during a March 1 attack on the Saudi base and later died from his injuries.

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What they’re saying

“The United States can meet its objectives 'without any ground troops.'”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

What’s next

The Pentagon has not provided an update on the status of the American troops injured in the latest attack on the Saudi base. It remains to be seen if the U.S. will take further military action in response to the escalating conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

The growing number of American casualties in the conflict with Iran underscores the challenges facing the U.S. in the region and the potential for the situation to further escalate. The deployment of additional forces highlights the administration's efforts to maintain a strong military presence, but also raises questions about the long-term strategy for ending the conflict.