The U.S. Central Command has refuted allegations made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that the USS Abraham Lincoln was struck by four ballistic missiles. In a statement posted on social media, the command declared the claims as false, asserting that the aircraft carrier remains operational and continues to launch aircraft in support of ongoing military efforts in the region.
According to the IRGC, the attack was purportedly executed in the Persian Gulf, with their spokesperson stating, “The USS Abraham Lincoln was hit by four ballistic missiles.” However, U.S. military officials have firmly denied this assertion, emphasizing that no missiles came close to the vessel.
In response to the claims, the U.S. military released images showing aircraft taking off from the carrier, reinforcing their position that the USS Abraham Lincoln is actively engaged in operations.
On February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a significant military operation aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from Iran. Trump accused the Iranian government of supporting militant groups across the region, including in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The IRGC has also claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, while the European Union reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the escalating tensions, suggesting that the Iranian people deserve a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On the same day, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the initiation of what they described as the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump responded by urging the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, warning of a strong retaliatory strike if necessary.
The U.S. military has dismissed claims from the IRGC regarding an attack on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Amid escalating tensions, military operations and international responses are intensifying.