In yet another shocking escalation in the Iran War, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has successfully hit the USS Abraham Lincoln with anti-ship missiles, causing significant damage to America’s second major aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea.

IRGC spokesmen released video footage showing bright flashes and explosions near the Nimitz-class supercarrier, declaring that “multiple missiles struck the Lincoln, damaging its flight deck and radar systems.” According to Tehran, the attack forced the carrier to reduce operations and retreat further from Iranian waters. If confirmed, this would mark the second U.S. supercarrier compromised in recent days, following the repeatedly burning USS Gerald R. Ford.

The Pentagon immediately denied serious damage, calling the Iranian claims “exaggerated propaganda,” but acknowledged that the Lincoln came under attack and that defensive systems engaged incoming threats. Independent analysts note reduced flight activity from the carrier in the hours following the incident.

In a swift counterstrike, U.S. forces launched Hellfire missiles from Apache helicopters and Reaper drones, destroying an IRGC fast-attack vessel that was attempting to approach the American fleet. The Iranian ship was reportedly sunk within minutes.

Despite this tactical U.S. success, the broader picture remains deeply concerning for Washington. Operation Epic Fury has already cost America more than $11 billion in munitions in the first week alone. Both American supercarriers are now operating under severe limitations, critical radar systems across the region have been destroyed, and interceptor stockpiles are running critically low.

Meanwhile, Israel continues to face relentless pressure from Iranian ballistic missiles and Hezbollah rocket barrages, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a dangerous war zone with multiple tankers attacked or trapped.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s regime is sending a clear and provocative message: Iran can reach America’s most powerful naval ᴀssets even under heavy pressure. The back-to-back claims of striking the Ford and Lincoln have delivered a major psychological blow to U.S. prestige.

What was supposed to be a swift, overwhelming display of American power is increasingly looking like a dangerous and costly stalemate. As fires and missile strikes continue to threaten the U.S. Navy’s crown jewels in the Gulf, serious questions are mounting: How much longer can America sustain this fight when its most powerful warships are being repeatedly targeted and forced onto the defensive?

The naval war has entered a dangerous new phase — and Iran shows no sign of backing down.