Iranian state media claims the IRGC struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea with a combination of ballistic missiles and drones, causing fires and forcing the vessel to retreat. The carrier had been positioned near Iran since January as part of the U.S. deterrence force. Footage released by Tehran shows what appears to be smoke rising from the deck.

The Pentagon has strongly denied any damage, stating the carrier continues normal operations and that all incoming threats were either intercepted or missed. Independent verification remains impossible due to the classified location.

Military experts note that a successful carrier strike would represent a major propaganda and tactical victory for Iran, while the U.S. denial aims to maintain deterrence. The claim has triggered renewed debate in Congress about carrier vulnerability in modern missile warfare.