Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly apologized on Thursday following a television appearance in which he inaccurately claimed that no American soldiers had lost their lives during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The statement drew immediate attention due to the sensitivity of military casualties and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the region.

In his follow-up statement, Lutnick acknowledged the error, explaining that he had been thinking about Venezuela at the time he made the remark. He corrected the record by confirming that 18 members of the U.S. military have died in relation to the conflict. Lutnick expressed deep regret for the mistake, stating that his "heart breaks" for the families of the fallen service members and offering a formal apology for the oversight.

While the incident was brief, it highlights the scrutiny placed on high-ranking officials when discussing military matters. The correction serves to align the public record with official casualty figures, though the initial confusion regarding the specific country involved—Venezuela versus Iran—remains a notable aspect of the Secretary's explanation.