The U.S. has lost at least seven aircraft in the war against Iran — CNN

The U.S. military operation against Iran, which has been ongoing for over a month, has resulted in the loss of at least seven American aircraft and damage to several more. 

CNN reported this on April 5, 2026. The timeline of losses includes incidents ranging from “friendly fire” to direct attacks by Iranian forces on air bases in the region.

The first losses were recorded on March 2, when three F-15 fighter jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defense systems over its own territory due to a misidentification. On March 12, a KC-135 tanker crashed following a mid-air collision during an operation, resulting in the deaths of six crew members. At the end of the month, on March 27, an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia destroyed an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft on the runway and damaged another tanker.

The latest losses occurred on April 3: an F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory, and an A-10 attack aircraft sustained critical damage from air defense fire during a crew rescue operation. The A-10 pilot managed to fly to Kuwait and eject. According to CNN, in addition to the lost equipment, at least 10 U.S. service members were injured during the attacks on the air bases. The increase in aviation losses coincides with U.S. ultimatums regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and reports that Russia has transferred intelligence data to Iran.

As a reminder, a search for the American pilot of the downed F-15 has been underway in Iran for two days.

Additionally, more than 30 universities in Iran have been struck since the war began in late February. Among those damaged is Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, which came under attack on Friday. 

The Iranian military reported a drone strike on a ship linked to Israel in the Strait of Hormuz. The MSC Ishyka caught fire following the attack.

In Israel, residents of southern Lebanon were warned of possible airstrikes. Residents of Tyre are advised to leave their homes immediately and move north of the Zahra River. 

The Israeli military reports airstrikes on Beirut. Command centers of Quds and PIH headquarters were hit. At the same time, a Hezbollah observation post was attacked. 

Following an airstrike near the Iraq-Iran border, the Shalamcheh border crossing was closed. At least one person was killed, and several others were wounded. Traffic through the crossing has been temporarily halted.

In Dubai, debris fell on a building, but there were no casualties. Meanwhile, sirens are sounding and warnings are being issued across the Gulf states.

Iran has stated that it will allow ships carrying “essential goods” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, it remains unclear exactly what constitutes such goods and whether restrictions on certain countries will remain in place.