Pakistan, May 13 -- A heated Senate committee hearing in Washington revealed fresh concerns over the military cost of the Iran conflict after Democratic Congressman Ed Case claimed the United States had lost 39 aircraft since fighting began on February 28. He cited figures from a US defense publication while questioning Pentagon Chief Financial Officer Jay Hurst about the growing financial burden created by aircraft destruction and extensive combat damage during the prolonged regional conflict.

During the hearing, Case said the reported losses included aircraft destroyed in combat operations as well as several others suffering serious damage. He asked whether the Pentagon had calculated the long-term retention and repair expenses linked ...