In a reckless escalation of the 2026 Iran war, Iran launched its two most advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles — the ᴅᴇᴀᴅly “Khalij Fars” and “Hormuz” variants — directly at the damaged USS Gerald R. Ford as the $13 billion supercarrier underwent emergency repairs in the southern Gulf.

Iranian state media celebrated the launch as the “final blow” to American naval power. Both missiles streaked toward the carrier at hypersonic speeds, aiming to finish what earlier drone and missile attacks had started.

Then America responded.

U.S. escort destroyers and advanced Aegis systems detected the launches within seconds. One missile was intercepted and shattered mid-flight in a spectacular explosion. The second missile was diverted by electronic warfare and decoys before being destroyed by a SM-3 interceptor. Within minutes of the failed attack, the U.S. unleashed a ferocious counterstrike.

Dozens of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters launched from nearby carrier strike groups, while MQ-9 Reaper drones and B-52 bombers delivered precision strikes on Iranian coastal missile batteries and IRGC naval bases. Multiple launch sites that fired the attack were completely destroyed in fiery blasts. Additional 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs slammed into underground command centers near the Strait of Hormuz.

The message was unmistakable: attacking the U.S. Navy brings overwhelming, immediate consequences.

This failed Iranian gamble comes as Tehran grows desperate. Its South Pars gas field still burns from Israeli strikes, Ras Laffan in Qatar remains damaged, and its navy has already lost five warships to American Reaper strikes. While Iran continues terrorizing civilians in Tel Aviv and Dubai, America continues protecting the critical sea lane that carries one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply.

Even with the Ford temporarily sidelined, U.S. naval dominance in the region remains unchallenged. Thousands of Abrams tanks stand ready on land, and coalition air power grows stronger by the hour.

Iran’s latest provocation has only accelerated its own military collapse. In this conflict, aggression is met with superior strength. The United States will defend its forces and secure global energy routes with unrelenting resolve.

Peace through overwhelming power is not a slogan — it is the reality now playing out in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.