Tehran has claimed responsibility for destroying or damaging at least 42 U.S. military aircraft worth $2.7 billion during a two-month conflict that preceded April's ceasefire, according to a Congressional Research Service report cited in regional media.

The claim, which has not been independently verified by U.S. military sources, represents the most significant acknowledged American air losses in a regional conflict since the Iraq War. The alleged casualties include a $1 billion E-3 Sentry AWACS surveillance aircraft, four F-15E Strike Eagles valued at $400 million, and an F-35A stealth fighter worth $100 million, among 17 manned aircraft reportedly lost.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran "gained knowledge from two months of combat action before the ceasefire in April" and warned of "more telling blows against the U.S." if military operations resume. The statement comes amid escalating tensions following the conflict's temporary pause.

The Congressional Research Service report—a U.S. government analytical arm serving Congress—allegedly lists 17 manned aircraft and 28 unmanned aerial vehicles among the losses. The unmanned systems include an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone valued at $618 million and an MQ-9 Reaper.

Regional analysts urge caution in assessing the claims, noting that neither the Pentagon nor U.S. Central Command has publicly confirmed the specific aircraft losses cited in Iranian statements. The absence of independent verification from American military sources or allied intelligence agencies in the region makes definitive assessment impossible at this stage.

The alleged losses would represent a historic shift in the regional military balance. In this region, today's headline is yesterday's history repeating—but if verified, this would mark an unprecedented Iranian capability to challenge American air dominance that has shaped Middle East conflicts since the 1991 Gulf War.

The timing of the disclosure coincides with fragile ceasefire negotiations and renewed debate in Washington over military engagement in the region. The $2.7 billion figure—equivalent to the estimated cost of White House renovations cited in the report—has drawn attention to the financial and strategic costs of regional military operations.