Iran Claims Missile and Drone Strike on USS Abraham Lincoln in Indian Ocean

ISLAMABAD — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced at dawn on Thursday that its naval forces launched a coordinated strike against the USS Abraham Lincoln in the northern Indian Ocean. According to official statements from Tehran, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was targeted with a combination of ballistic missiles and attack drones, forcing the vessel to retreat from its previous operational position.

The Iranian military alleges that satellite imagery and intelligence documents confirm the carrier’s withdrawal into the "depths of the Indian Ocean" to escape the barrage. This offensive is reportedly part of the 89th wave of "Operation True Promise 4," a campaign Tehran maintains is a response to ongoing regional military tensions.

IRGC Details 'Operation True Promise 4'

Iranian officials characterized the aircraft carrier as "desperate" following the alleged engagement, claiming the strike utilized Qadeer ballistic and cruise missiles. The Ministry of Defense in Tehran stated that the operation aimed to dismantle U.S. and Israeli military assets in the region.

Key details reported by Iranian state media include:

• Tactical Combined Strike: The use of swarm drones alongside high-velocity cruise missiles.

• Strategic Maneuvering: Claims that the carrier group changed course significantly to avoid sustained fire.

• Regional Control: Reiteration that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the "full and decisive control" of the IRGC Navy.

U.S. Response and Geopolitical Context

While Tehran has been vocal about the success of the mission, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has previously dismissed similar reports of damage to U.S. naval assets as disinformation. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been a central fixture of Operation Epic Fury, providing a staging ground for F/A-18 Super Hornet sorties since late February.

The current conflict escalated significantly on February 28, 2026, following a major air campaign. As of today, independent verification of the damage to the USS Abraham Lincoln remains unavailable, though maritime tracking suggests the carrier strike group continues to maintain a high state of readiness in the Arabian Sea.