U.S. forces struck an Iranian vessel with Hellfire missiles after it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
Tensions between U.S. and Iranian naval forces have escalated following a reported confrontation involving an Iranian vessel that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier at close range, according to two U.S. officials briefed on the incident. The officials, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the operation publicly, said an American Navy vessel initially attempted to engage the Iranian ship with its 5-inch Mark 45 naval gun. The cannon reportedly missed the vessel multiple times before a U.S. military helicopter was deployed. The helicopter, armed with Hellfire missiles, subsequently struck the Iranian vessel twice, according to the officials. The condition of the ship and the status of its crew have not been publicly confirmed. The circumstances surrounding the initial gunfire also remain unclear. It has not been established whether the rounds were intended as warning shots, an attempt to disable the vessel or direct fire against the target.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is the centerpiece of a carrier strike group operating in the region. The formation includes guided-missile destroyers such as the USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, along with other supporting naval assets. The carrier’s presence represents a significant concentration of American military power. Aircraft carriers serve as mobile bases capable of supporting air operations far from U.S. territory and are typically protected by multiple layers of ships and aircraft.