- A Congressional Research Service report reveals that the US military has had 81 aircraft worth up to $3.3 billion damaged or destroyed during President Donald Trump ’s Operation Epic Fury conflict with Iran, launched in partnership with Israel.
- The documented aircraft losses include a high-cost F-35A fighter jet, an E-3 Sentry, and numerous MQ-9 Reaper drones—which make up over half of the casualties—though some lightly damaged aircraft have already been repaired and returned to service.
- Overall US expenditure on the conflict is estimated to have reached between $33.4 billion and $45 billion, while the human toll includes 19 American soldiers killed and hundreds injured alongside economic disruption from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Donald Trump announced at a pre-midterms rally in Texas that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is making progress in negotiations with Tehran, though the president suggested he is reluctant to sign a deal.
- US national security officials have discussed the possibility of escalating military actions in the region, including the potential launch of renewed large-scale airstrikes against Iran ahead of the forthcoming elections.
IN FULL
