42 US Aircraft and Drones Destroyed in Iran Conflict, Over $4.5 Billion Spent
News Summary
Presented After Review.
- US forces lost 42 aircraft and drones destroyed or severely damaged during ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran.
- The US and Israel had planned a coup in Iran, aiming to install former President Ahmadinejad as leader.
- The US Senate passed a resolution 50-47 limiting President Trump’s military powers, requiring Congressional approval to continue the conflict.
May 21, Kathmandu — During the ongoing ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran, the United States has suffered significant losses in aircraft. According to a report from the US Congress, 42 US military aircraft and drones have been destroyed or seriously damaged in this conflict.
The US Department of Defense has previously reported that over $4.5 billion has already been spent on the war.
Details of Aircraft Damaged
Among the losses are 6 fighter and attack jets, including one F-35, four F-15E Strike Eagles, and one A-10 Thunderbolt II. Early in April, Iran successfully shot down a US F-15E jet.
The greatest number of losses occurred in the drone fleet. A total of 25 drones were destroyed, including 24 MQ-9 Reapers and one MQ-4C Triton. In addition, 11 other aircraft were either completely destroyed or severely damaged.
Coup Plans in Iran
According to a report by The New York Times, the US and Israel’s military actions were not only aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities but also included plans to orchestrate a coup.
They intended to promote former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the new leader. On the first day of the conflict, Israel conducted an attack near Ahmadinejad’s residence in Tehran, aiming to free him from detention; however, Ahmadinejad managed to escape.
Subsequently, Israel and the US abandoned the coup plan. Ahmadinejad has been under detention for several years due to deteriorating relations with the Iranian military and Supreme Leader.
The coup plan reportedly involved three phases: the first aimed at sustained airstrikes targeting Iran’s top leaders and activating Kurdish militants as part of US strategy.
The second phase intended to create chaos and a war atmosphere in Iran by Israel to convey the message that the Iranian government was losing control. The third phase targeted infrastructure damage, cutting gas and electricity supplies to increase political pressure and eventually install Ahmadinejad as leader.
Meanwhile, the US Senate has passed a resolution with a narrow margin of 50-47 limiting President Trump’s military authority. Four Republican senators joined in voting against Trump. If enacted into law, the resolution will require Trump to obtain Congressional approval to continue the Iran conflict.
In a speech at the US Coast Guard Academy, President Trump claimed that Iran’s navy and air force have been nearly eliminated. He said that the US now only needs to decide whether to complete military action or negotiate a settlement with Iran.
(With agency assistance)