Araghchi Calls Out U.S. Coverup After Aircraft Losses Revised Up Twice
TEHRAN -- Iran’s foreign minister said Thursday that the true number of American military aircraft downed by Iranian forces is “far higher” than officially acknowledged, citing a U.S. Congressional Research Service report that now tallies at least 81 lost or damaged aircraft and drones — up from 42 acknowledged in May — with replacement costs estimated at $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion.
“Real toll is far higher,” Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, pointing to CENTCOM’s refusal to allow a sitting U.S. senator to inspect bases it claims are undamaged. He closed with Lincoln’s famous warning: “You can fool all the people some of the time...”
The CRS tally, released Monday, covers manned aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems, including combat losses, accidents and aircraft destroyed on the ground. MQ-9 Reaper drones account for more than half.
The list includes an F-35A fighter jet, an E-3 Sentry, up to 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, seven KC-135 tankers and seven helicopters. CNN separately put the total cost of the war at more than $45 billion — a figure that excludes damage to U.S. base infrastructure in the region, including at sites where aircraft were lost.
The disclosures come amid mounting evidence that the Pentagon has understated American casualties. Officials cited in reporting say more U.S. troops died in the 40-day war than the Pentagon has disclosed, even as the administration of President Donald Trump calls itself “the most transparent administration in history.” The Pentagon has quietly added dozens to its wounded tally in recent months.
CBS News reported Wednesday that Iranian strikes during the opening days forced U.S. forces to abandon Camp Buehring, a major facility in Kuwait hosting roughly 7,000 troops.
Most had relocated under what the Pentagon called a “get off the X” plan; about 100 stayed behind, critically low
on .50-caliber ammunition and unequipped for mass casualties.
“They hit us bad,” one source said. “It was horrible. There were a lot of brave guys who stayed to fight there — and people at home don’t know what happened. We had to abandon the base.”
Three U.S. service members said Iranian F-5 fighter jets ran so close they could see the pilots’ helmets. “They came in, they hit us, and then took off.”
A senior Army logistics official confirmed concerns over ammunition and Patriot battery availability. Troops packed vehicles and drove deep into the Kuwaiti desert at night.
Officials said no one was killed at the base, but several were injured, including two struck by lightning in sandstorms. “Camp Buehring got demolished,” a source said. “They need to do an investigation. How come no one came to reinforce us?”