Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said Friday that Iran is "winning the war" after Iranian air defenses shot down two U.S. military aircraft, including an F-15E fighter jet, over Iranian airspace.
One crew member from the F-15E ejected and remains missing, while others were rescued, according to reports. Iranian forces also downed an A-10 Warthog attack plane before it reached Kuwaiti airspace.
Moulton, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the remarks in an interview with MS NOW. He said the U.S. should focus on recovering missing personnel but added that Iran has gained leverage.
"I've been saying for over a week that Iran is winning the war," Moulton said, citing Iran's restriction on the use of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for about 20% of the world's oil transport.
The comments came one day after President Donald Trump told the nation that the U.S. had taken out Iran's anti-aircraft capabilities as part of Operation Epic Fury.
He said: "They have no anti-aircraft equipment. Their radar is 100% annihilated."
Moulton said the downings show Iran retains significant defenses.
Moulton also criticized a since-deleted Polymarket betting pool on when a downed U.S. pilot would be found, calling it "DISGUSTING" on X. "They could be your neighbor, a friend, a family member," he wrote.
In earlier interviews, Moulton accused the administration of having "no plan to end this war that he started and is now losing." He compared aspects of the operation to Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine and said Trump was "resorting to war crimes" by threatening civilian infrastructure.
The Trump administration has said its goals include diminishing Iran's air and naval capabilities, destroying missile sites, and eliminating its nuclear program. Trump has pressed Iran to negotiate a peace deal.
The incidents mark the first U.S. aircraft losses since the conflict with Iran intensified about five weeks ago.
Search and rescue operations continue for the missing service member.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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