Washington, May 20: A recent report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has revealed that approximately 42 U.S. aircraft have either been destroyed or damaged in the ongoing Iran conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has termed this acknowledgment as validation of Tehran’s long-standing claims.
Referring to the CRS report published on May 13, Araghchi stated on the social media platform X, “Months after the onset of the Iran conflict, the U.S. Congress has admitted to losing dozens of aircraft worth billions of dollars.”
According to Araghchi, this indicates that Iran’s powerful armed forces have the capability to down F-35 jets. He warned that the lessons learned from this conflict suggest that “the return to war could bring about many more shocking turns.”
The CRS report indicates that the number of damaged aircraft could rise, as many incidents remain classified and damage assessments are being confirmed through various sources. The report mentions that the losses include Strike Eagle fighter jets and special operations planes.
The CRS is an organization that provides legal and policy analysis to the U.S. Congress and its committees. The figures were compiled based on statements from the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Central Command, and media reports.
The report noted that the U.S. military incurred these losses during Operation Epic Fury, a 40-day U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026.
According to the report, during a hearing on May 12, 2026, Pentagon Controller Jules W. Hurst III testified that the estimated cost for military operations in Iran has surged to $29 billion. However, the Pentagon has yet to publicly disclose the total extent of the losses.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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