U.S. Military Strikes Cripple Iranian Naval Capabilities Amidst Escalating Tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United States military has significantly degraded Iran’s naval power, sinking multiple vessels including the drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri, in recent strikes, according to U.S. Central Command (Centcom). The actions come as regional tensions soar following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent military exchanges between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Footage circulating online, purportedly released by Centcom, shows a large explosion erupting from the Shahid Bagheri, a vessel converted from a commercial container ship in 2022 to serve as a mobile launchpad for drones. The ship, operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was equipped to carry helicopters and medium-range defense systems, boasting a 180-meter flight deck.
Centcom stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Iran possessed 11 naval ships in the Gulf of Oman two days prior, and now has “ZERO.” The command emphasized the strikes are aimed at ensuring freedom of maritime navigation, which it described as crucial for global economic prosperity.
The U.S. military also refuted Iranian claims of sinking an American aircraft carrier, stating that the only carrier “hit” was the Shahid Bagheri. “The Iranian regime’s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a US aircraft carrier,” Centcom posted on X.
The strikes are part of “Operation Epic Fury” and were launched within hours of Khamenei’s death, triggering a wave of retaliatory actions. Explosions have been reported across several Gulf states, Iran, and Israel as the conflict enters its fourth day. Israel has also initiated a ground offensive in Lebanon, expanding the scope of the conflict.
The escalating situation has prompted international concern and spurred evacuation efforts. The United Kingdom is considering deploying a warship to Cyprus following an Iranian drone attack on a UK base on the island, which came within 800 yards of personnel, according to reports. France has already dispatched two warships to protect the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus.
A British government charter flight is scheduled to depart from Muscat, Oman, “in the coming days” to assist approximately 130,000 British nationals registered in the Middle East, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The current crisis follows a period of heightened tensions in the region. The U.S. has previously accused Iran of harassing and attacking international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades.
