At 3:47 a.m. local time, in the tense waters of the Gulf of Oman – right next to the Strait of Hormuz – an Iranian Kilo-class submarine (Project 877/636) silently approached the US carrier strike group.

The Kilo – nicknamed the “black hole” of the seabed due to its excellent stealth capabilities – unexpectedly launched two heavy torpedoes (most likely TEST-71 or Yu-6) directly at the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) – the newest and most powerful supercarrier of the US Navy.

The two torpedoes traveled at speeds exceeding 50 knots, carrying warheads of 220–300 kg of high explosive. Only seconds remained before hitting their target…

But the US Navy had detected them beforehand.

Pᴀssive sonar on the escorting destroyers (possibly Arleigh Burke-class) picked up the characteristic “whoosh” sound of the torpedo tubes. Red alert sirens blared across the deck of the USS Ford. The 100,000-ton super-ship immediately made a sharp turn, creating a mᴀssive wake to act as a decoy. Simultaneously, the Nixie decoy system was deployed, simulating the sound of an aircraft carrier’s engines.

The first torpedo exploded just a few dozen meters behind the Ford’s stern, sending a shockwave that rocked the entire ship, causing minor injuries to several sailors from flying debris.

The second torpedo was deceived by the decoy, veering off course and self-destructing after its battery ran out.

Not a single serious scratch was found on the USS Ford. But Iran had crossed the red line.

The US response – within just 180 seconds – completely changed the course of events.

A Virginia-class attack submarine (possibly the USS Iowa or USS Hyman G. Rickover) lurking just 12 nautical miles away immediately locked onto its target. A Mk 48 ADCAP Mod 7 torpedo – the world’s smartest torpedo – was launched. The Iranian Kilo-class submarine had no time to react. The underwater explosion, equivalent to 300 kg of TNT, tore through the submarine’s hull. The entire crew – estimated at 50–60 – disappeared instantly.

The Ford Carrier Strike Group deployed its full force:

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C aircraft took off continuously.

Dozens of Tomahawk missiles from the escort destroyers and cruisers were launched toward Iranian naval bases at Bandar Abbas and Jask.

Iranian surface warships (Jamaran, Kaman, and Houdong-class fast ships) were simultaneously attacked with Harpoon, NSM missiles, and guided bombs from the air.

In less than three hours, almost the entire active Iranian surface fleet in the Persian Gulf was wiped out:

More than 15 warships of various types were sunk or severely damaged by fire.

The Bandar Abbas naval base was heavily damaged.
Many anti-ship missile depots and ammunition storage facilities were destroyed.