Pentagon withholds payout for soldiers killed in Iran conflict, citing lack of “war” status

According to a Telegraph report, Libby Klinner, widow of Major Alex Klinner, says the US Air Force denied her additional benefits after his death because Congress never formally declared war on Iran. Klinner died alongside five others when a refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq in March.

After her post went viral, officials admitted his final paycheck did include combat pay, though it was mislabeled. Vice President JD Vance responded that the administration wants to ensure she “gets everything that she is entitled to.” Since fighting began, 18 US troops have died and 780 have been wounded, with families accusing the Pentagon of downplaying casualties.