Congress reveals heavy US military losses in confrontation with Iran
The US Congressional Research Service has revealed an unprecedented toll on the US air force and naval units since the outbreak of the military confrontation with Iran in late February, putting Washington's operational efficiency at stake amid a fragile truce that threatens to collapse.
Congress documents unprecedented attrition of fighter jets and drones
The U.S. Congressional Research Service, in an extensive statistical report released on May 13, revealed that the United States has lost or suffered at least 42 military aircraft damage since the outbreak of the war with Iran.
The research report, based on data from the War Department and US Central Command (CENTCOM), explained that the list included advanced F-15E fighters and a fifth-generation $F-35A fighter, in addition to an A-10 ground attack aircraft, seven KC-135 air-refueled aircraft, as well as an E-3 early warning aircraft, two special operations aircraft, a rescue helicopter, and 24 Reaper (MQ-9) dronesand a Triton (MQ-4C) reconnaissance aircraft..
A direct threat to the global U.S. military deployment
The actual repercussions of these air losses are not yet fully clear, warning that the loss of these strategic platforms could negatively impact the Pentagon's ability to implement its current operational requirements, limit its ability to maintain its global military deployment lines, and weaken its response to any future crises or emergencies on other fronts.
Parallel casualties and fires in aircraft carriers
These technical losses coincided with increasing human and logistical pressures facing U.S. forces on the ground, with at least 15 U.S. soldiers killed and more than 500 wounded since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.
This was accompanied by a severe depletion of the stockpile of air defense systems and long-range munitions, as well as the material damage of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford following a fire inside the laundry room, reflecting the extent of the operational exhaustion of naval vessels deployed in the area.
The financial bill for the conflict is approaching $29 billion
During an emergency hearing of the US House of Representatives on May 12, Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hirst III explained that the total financial cost associated with the dispute with Tehran has jumped to about $29 billion so far despite the fragile truce that has existed since last April.
Hirst attributed the record increase in expenditure to updated and complex estimates of repairs or replacements of damaged and missing military equipment and platforms in theater.
Araqchi promises more surprises
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi published the US document on the "X" platform, considering it an official recognition of the success of his country's defenses in challenging US air superiority and shooting down the F-35 fighter jet for the first time in history.
Araqchi warned that any decision made by President Donald Trump to resume military operations would be met with "more painful surprises" by Iran's armed forces.
The Uncertainty of the Numbers and the Future of the Reeling Truce
The report concludes by noting that all of these figures remain subject to review and adjustment in light of the continuing complex operational reality and the factors of military secrecy imposed by Washington.
The revelation comes at a time when regional doubts are mounting about the truce's viability, especially after Trump's recent hints of new strikes if nuclear negotiations falter, coupled with Tehran's threats to open a comprehensive response front that extends across the entire region.