Iran has claimed it carried out a second missile strike on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), describing the attack as a major blow to American naval power in the region. However, there is no independent verification that such a strike actually occurred.

Iran’s Claim
According to statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC):

Advanced missiles and drones were used to target the carrier
The strike allegedly took place in waters near the Arabian Sea
Iranian media framed it as part of an ongoing retaliation campaign
Similar claims have been made earlier in the conflict, with Tehran asserting that it had already hit or damaged the carrier.

U.S. Response
The U.S. Central Command has repeatedly denied these claims:

Officials stated the carrier was not hit
Missiles reportedly did not come close
The ship remains fully operational and conducting missions
Independent fact-checks have also found no credible evidence supporting viral videos or claims showing the carrier damaged or on fire.

Pattern of Claims vs Reality
This is part of a broader pattern in the conflict:

Iran announces high-impact strikes for strategic messaging
The U.S. denies or downplays damage
Independent verification is often absent or delayed
Even earlier reports of a “first strike” on the carrier were never confirmed by neutral sources.

Strategic Context
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is a heavily defended asset:

Protected by destroyers, missile defense systems, and aircraft
Designed to withstand and intercept incoming threats
Considered extremely difficult to hit, especially with ballistic missiles