In a post on his X account on Thursday, Araqchi referred to a US Congressional Research Service report documenting 81 US aircraft lost or damaged in operations against Iran and questioned US Central Command’s refusal to allow a sitting senator to inspect military bases that it says are in good condition.
“In May, the Congressional Research Service admitted that Iran’s Armed Forces had taken out 42 U.S. military aircraft. Now: 81,” he wrote.
“Real toll is far higher. Proof? CENTCOM won’t let a sitting Senator inspect bases it claims are fine,” Araqchi explained.
“You can fool all the people some of the time…” he reminded the US officials.
Araqchi also attached the photo of a report from the US Congressional Research Service to his post, titled “U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: Considerations for Congress”, which says 81 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including uncrewed aircraft systems, were lost or damaged in US war against Iran since February 28.
The report says the figure was compiled from news reports, statements by the US Department of Defense and CENTCOM, and Defense Department Inspector General findings, while noting that the number remains subject to revision.
The report lists losses or damage involving a range of US aircraft, including 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A, two A-10s, seven KC-135 tankers, one E-3 Sentry, two MC-130Js, one HH-60W helicopter, one MQ-4C, three MQ-1 drones and 45 MQ-9 Reapers. It also includes an AH-64 Apache, four AH-6 Little Birds and an MH-60 Sea Hawk.