Iran Claims Attack on USS Abraham Lincoln Amid US Military Buildup

Tensions escalate in West Asia as Iran claims to have struck the USS Abraham Lincoln, a statement dismissed by the US military. Amidst a significant military buildup, a US refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, with conflicting reports about the cause. This article delves into the implications of these developments and the ongoing military operations in the region, including Israel's campaign against Iran. Discover the latest updates on this critical situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 12:36 IST

Iran's Allegations Against the USS Abraham Lincoln

allowfullscreen As the United States engages in one of its most significant military deployments in West Asia, Iran has asserted that it successfully targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln, claiming the aircraft carrier is now non-operational. However, this assertion has been firmly rejected by the US Military's Central Command (CENTCOM). Earlier today, a US military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. The US has stated that the incident was not caused by any hostile or friendly fire, despite an Iran-aligned group claiming responsibility for the downing of the aircraft.

In a statement, CENTCOM confirmed that the KC-135 refueling aircraft went down while conducting operations in Iraq, and rescue efforts were underway. Another aircraft managed to land safely, and CENTCOM emphasized that the crash was not due to any hostile actions. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy had launched ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln, asserting that the carrier was compelled to withdraw from West Asian waters.

According to Press TV, an Iranian state media outlet, the IRGC Navy executed a "precision operation" against the carrier while it was in the vicinity of the Sea of Oman. Iranian officials claimed that advanced missiles and drones targeted the vessel approximately 340 kilometers from Iran’s maritime borders. Nevertheless, the US quickly dismissed these claims, asserting that the carrier remains operational and continues to support Operation Epic Fury. CENTCOM shared an image of the USS Abraham Lincoln, reiterating its ongoing mission.

A CBS News report indicated that a US Navy vessel attempted to engage an Iranian ship using its 5-inch, 54-caliber Mark 45 gun, a fully automated naval cannon mounted on Navy destroyers and cruisers. The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln, in West Asia as part of its largest military buildup in the region since the Iraq War.

Israel initiated its operation named “Roaring Lion” on February 28 against Iran, with the US joining the effort under the title “Epic Fury.” The stated goal of this campaign is to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions, dismantle its missile program, and deliver a significant blow to its regional proxies.