Washington:
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that its ballistic missiles have struck the US plane service USS Abraham Lincoln, rendering it non-operational and forcing it to retreat from the Gulf waters. Washington has, nonetheless, denied the declare, saying the American plane service “continues to support Operation Epic Fury”.
US media reported that an Iranian vessel sailed too near the plane service, and the American forces fired at it. But it stays unclear whether or not the ship was hit.
Iran’s Claim
In an announcement, Iran’s Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned {that a} precision operation involving superior missiles and drones struck the USS Abraham Lincoln plane service roughly 340 kilometres from Iran’s maritime borders within the Sea of Oman.
Iran’s state TV reported that following the strike, the US vessel and its accompanying strike group have been seen “fleeing the area at high speed”.
State tv didn’t present any particulars on the declare. The Guards, the ideological arm of Iran’s navy, had beforehand additionally alleged to have hit the Lincoln, however the Pentagon had mentioned on the time that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close”.
US Denial
Soon after the Iranian experiences surfaced, the US dismissed them. US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted an image of the American warship, saying, “The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group continues to assist Operation Epic Fury and challenge energy from the ocean.”
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group continues to assist Operation Epic Fury and challenge energy from the ocean. pic.twitter.com/2o7krBUp70
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026
According to a CBS News report, a US Navy vessel “attempted to fire on the Iranian vessel using its 5-inch, 54-calibre Mark 45 gun, a fully automated naval cannon that is mounted to the forward deck of Navy destroyers and cruisers.”
It was not instantly clear which naval vessel fired on the Iranian ship. But, quoting US officers, the CBS report mentioned US strikes missed the Iranian ship a number of instances. It was additionally not clear whether or not they have been meant as warning photographs.
The incident reportedly occurred earlier this week, and the standing of the Iranian ship stays unknown.
The United States has despatched two plane carriers– USS Gerald R Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln– to the Middle East to participate within the huge air campaign against Iran that Washington launched with Israeli forces on February 28.
Two different warships –USS Spruance and the USS Michael Murphy– each destroyers, are reportedly embarked with the Abraham Lincoln, which is working within the Arabian Sea. Six extra guided-missile destroyers are additionally positioned within the Arabian Sea as of final week.
