The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that U.S. forces struck the Iranian drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri in the Persian Gulf within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026.
The vessel reportedly sustained critical damage and is said to be sinking.
The strike is one of the first major naval actions under the new U.S.-led campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. It has increased tensions in one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
In an official statement, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Shahid Bagheri was the only carrier hit in the first phase of the operation. It denied Iranian state media claims that a U.S. aircraft carrier had been sunk.
CENTCOM said no American carrier was struck and no U.S. naval losses were reported.
On social media, it stated that “the only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier,” and added that
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
