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Howard Lutnick apologizes for stating no Americans died in the Iran war

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick apologized on Thursday for stating that no Americans had died during the war with Iran. During a Wednesday interview, Lutnick described the administration's strategy as an "economic choke-out" and claimed there were no American deaths. However, the Pentagon has reported that 18 service members have been killed and more than 750 wounded since the conflict began six months ago. Lutnick acknowledged he misspoke on Thursday morning, explaining that he was thinking about the Venezuelan military operation where no service members died. He expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. President Trump defended Lutnick on social media, noting that the secretary had Venezuela on his mind when he made the statement. The administration has faced scrutiny over how it has disclosed and and discussed those killed and injured in the Iran war, particularly after four deaths and dozens of injuries disappeared from a Defense Department website in July.

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