US Warship Abraham Lincoln Hit by Iran Strike

Iran has claimed that it struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, while the United States has firmly denied the allegation, stating that the warship remains fully operational and continues its mission in the region.

The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers to the Middle East as part of a large-scale air campaign against Iran that began on February 28 alongside Israeli forces.

Iran’s Claim

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said its forces carried out a precision strike using advanced missiles and drones against the aircraft carrier about 340 kilometres from Iran’s maritime borders in the Sea of Oman.

In a statement, Iran’s Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet said the strike rendered the carrier non-operational and forced it to withdraw from the Gulf waters. Iranian state television also reported that the vessel and its accompanying strike group were seen “fleeing the area at high speed” after the attack.

However, no detailed evidence or additional information was provided by Iranian authorities regarding the alleged strike.

US Response

Soon after the claims emerged, the United States dismissed them. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) shared an image of the warship on social media and said the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group “continues to support Operation Epic Fury and project power from the sea.”

US media reports suggested that tensions may have escalated when an Iranian vessel sailed too close to the carrier group. According to a report by CBS News, a US Navy vessel attempted to fire at the Iranian ship using a 5-inch, 54-calibre Mark 45 naval gun, an automated cannon mounted on destroyers and cruisers.

Officials said the US shots reportedly missed the Iranian vessel several times. It remains unclear whether the firing was intended as warning shots or a direct attempt to hit the ship. The status of the Iranian vessel is also unknown.

US Naval Presence in the Region

The United States currently has two aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East: USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln. Both are participating in the ongoing military campaign against Iran.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea along with destroyers USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy. Several additional guided-missile destroyers are also positioned in the Arabian Sea to support the operation.