Trump’s Iran conflict sees 81 US aircraft damaged or destroyed costing billions

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Trump’s Iran conflict sees 81 US aircraft damaged or destroyed costing billions Joe Sommerlad Thursday 08 October 2026 16:24 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Trump says Iran ‘willing to offer us anything’ for deal 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 US military planes worth up to $3.3 billion now lost or damaged in Iran war, Congress report says