US House Representative Ed Case claimed that the US lost 39 aircraft in conflicts with Iran. Case noted in his question to Defense Department Financial Affairs Director Jay Hurst that this figure was based on the defense publication The War Zone. Hurst stated that calculating the repair costs of the aircraft is difficult and that he would provide written information after a detailed review. According to The War Zone report, during the conflicts, the US Air Force conducted approximately 13,000 flights, 39 aircraft were destroyed, and 10 were damaged.
The report alleged that an F-35A Lightning II fighter jet was shot down in Iranian airspace and a Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft was destroyed, but these claims could not be independently verified. Pentagon officials also did not provide an official confirmation to the public. Tensions in the region escalated after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran retaliated, and the Strait of Hormuz was closed. A ceasefire was achieved on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but a permanent agreement was not reached. The ceasefire was later extended indefinitely by President Trump.
Meanwhile, Turkey continues to call for transparency and de-escalation, warning that unverified military loss claims could increase tensions.