Claims made in a report linked to the U.S. Congress have drawn international attention amid continuing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East. According to the report, the United States incurred significant military and economic losses during an alleged operation referred to as “Epic Fury” against Iran.
The report claims that a total of 42 U.S. aircraft and drones were either destroyed or severely damaged during the operation. It states that the losses included advanced military aircraft, including one F-35 stealth fighter jet, four F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and one A-10 Thunderbolt II. An additional 11 military aircraft were also reported to have been destroyed or severely damaged. However, the U.S. Department of Defense has not publicly provided detailed independent confirmation of these figures.
According to the report, the drone fleet sustained the highest level of losses, with 25 drones allegedly destroyed or severely damaged. These reportedly included 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones and one MQ-4C Triton drone. The MQ-9 Reaper is widely used by the United States for surveillance and strike operations in multiple military campaigns.
The report further states that the total cost of the military campaign reached approximately ₹2.81 lakh crore, or about $33–34 billion. The expenditure was attributed to military deployment, weapons use, logistics and operational activities. Experts cited in the report said that if the figures are accurate, the campaign could rank among the costliest U.S. regional military operations in recent years.
Citing a report by The New York Times, claims were also made that the strategy of the United States and Israel allegedly extended beyond weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and included plans for political change or regime change. According to the report, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was viewed as a potential leadership figure under such a scenario. Neither the United States nor Israel has officially confirmed the claim.
The report also referred to an alleged three-phase strategy. According to the account, the first phase involved rapid airstrikes, targeting Iran’s top leadership and encouraging regional unrest. The second phase allegedly aimed to create conditions resembling domestic disorder to weaken perceptions of Iranian government control. The third phase reportedly focused on applying pressure on critical infrastructure, including oil, gas and electricity systems, to create conditions for political change.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, fluctuations have been reported in the international oil market. Reports cited in the source content stated that Brent crude oil prices at one stage crossed $105 per barrel.
Analysts cited in the report said uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to pose risks to global energy supplies, as a substantial share of global oil transport depends on the maritime route.
According to the report, tensions surrounding Iran and nearby maritime routes have continued to intensify. It stated that dozens of oil tankers and cargo vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian permission during the past 24 hours.
The report also stated that the United Arab Emirates is accelerating work on a new oil pipeline project aimed at reducing dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. administration has maintained a firm position on Iran, according to statements cited in the source content. White House officials warned that if Iran does not agree to the terms of a nuclear agreement, it could face what they described as “unprecedented military action in modern history.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also stated that Iran’s navy and air force had suffered substantial damage and that options for further action or an agreement remained open.
A proposal has been passed in the U.S. Senate seeking limits on presidential military powers, according to the report. Some Republican lawmakers also voted in support of the proposal. If enacted into law, congressional approval would be required for any major military campaign against Iran.
An investigation has also reportedly begun into the funding and operations of a foundation linked to humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Allegations cited in the report raised concerns regarding security and transparency during aid distribution.
The United Nations and other international institutions have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the region and warned of a potential food crisis, according to the source content.
