In a dramatic pre-dawn attack on day 71 of the 2026 US-Iran war, Iranian forces launched nine torpedoes at the USS Gerald R. Ford, America’s flagship nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, while it was operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
At exactly 5:12 AM local time, an Iranian submarine fired a full salvo of advanced heavyweight torpedoes in what U.S. officials described as a “coordinated and highly aggressive” attempt to cripple the carrier. The Ford’s escort destroyers and anti-submarine helicopters immediately responded with intense defensive measures, deploying countermeasures, decoys, and Mk-54 torpedoes to intercept the incoming threats.
According to initial reports from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, seven of the nine torpedoes were successfully neutralized. However, two torpedoes evaded the defensive screen and struck the carrier’s hull, causing significant damage and flooding in one section. The ship remains underway under its own power, but damage control teams are actively fighting to contain the impact.
This is the most serious direct attack on the USS Gerald R. Ford since the conflict began. The strike follows Iran’s recent deployment of Haj Qasem missiles against U.S. positions and repeated failed attempts to challenge American naval dominance in the Strait.
U.S. Central Command reports that American casualties across the theater have increased, with the overall death toll still officially at 13. The Navy has not yet released updated casualty figures from this specific incident.
President Donald Trump was briefed immediately and issued a strong statement: “Iran just tried to sink our greatest carrier with nine torpedoes. They missed most of them — but the ones that hit will cost them everything.”
The incident has pushed Brent crude prices above $149 per barrel as markets fear total disruption of Gulf shipping.
With Iran now resorting to mᴀssed torpedo attacks against America’s most powerful warship, the naval battle in the Strait of Hormuz has reached a dangerous new level of intensity.
The situation is extremely volatile and developing by the minute.
