In a stunning 24-hour period that has sent shockwaves through the Pentagon, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s forces have launched direct attacks on both of America’s largest aircraft carriers — the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln — in what appears to be a coordinated offensive against the heart of U.S. naval power.

First, new fires broke out aboard the already battered USS Gerald R. Ford in the Arabian Sea after a fresh swarm of Iranian drones penetrated its defensive screen. Thick black smoke poured from the flight deck for the third time in recent weeks, forcing flight operations to be suspended once again and injuring several crew members.

Just hours later, the USS Abraham Lincoln came under heavy missile attack further north. IRGC commanders claim multiple anti-ship missiles struck the carrier’s superstructure and deck, causing visible damage and forcing the strike group to retreat eastward at high speed. Iranian state television aired dramatic footage showing explosions flashing across the Lincoln’s silhouette.

Mojtaba Khamenei personally praised the operations, stating: “In one day, we have struck both of the Great Satan’s most powerful warships. This is the price of aggression. Our response will only grow stronger.”

The back-to-back strikes are a major embarrᴀssment for Washington. The Ford was already severely limited after weeks of recurring fires, while the Lincoln had only recently arrived to reinforce the fleet. With both supercarriers now compromised, America’s ability to project air power in the Gulf has been dealt a serious blow.

This comes as Operation Epic Fury continues to hemorrhage resources. The U.S. has already spent over $11 billion in munitions in the first week, critical radar systems remain destroyed, and interceptor stockpiles are critically low. Israel is still burning under relentless Iranian and Hezbollah attacks, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a war zone with dozens of tankers trapped or destroyed.

Pentagon officials are downplaying the damage, insisting both carriers “remain combat capable.” However, satellite imagery and shipping data tell a different story — reduced flight activity and defensive posturing.

In just 24 hours, Mojtaba has directly challenged and damaged the two most powerful symbols of American military might. What was meant to be a quick, decisive campaign is rapidly turning into a nightmare for the U.S. Navy.

Is this the beginning of the end of American naval supremacy in the region? As fires rage on both supercarriers, Operation Epic Fury looks increasingly like a failing gamble — one that is exposing the limits of U.S. power in real time.