US strikes Iranian drone carrier, denies missile hit on USS Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it struck the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, describing the assertion as false.

The clarification follows US strikes on an Iranian naval vessel, Shahid Bagheri, used for drone operations, which were carried out shortly after the launch of Operation Epic Fury.

While Iranian sources have suggested that a US carrier was targeted, CENTCOM emphasized that the Lincoln was unaffected and continued normal flight operations.

CENTCOM’s social media statement stressed that the Lincoln “was not hit” and that incoming missiles did not come close.

View on Twitter.

According to CENTCOM, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier remains fully operational and continues flight operations in support of US military missions in the region. The command added that the vessel is launching aircraft as part of its ongoing campaign to defend US interests and counter threats linked to the Iranian regime.

As reported by local media, Iran commissioned its first drone carrier Shahid Bagheri last month at a ceremony held in the Persian Gulf. The official stated that the Shahid Bagheri is designed as a mobile platform for various operations, including intelligence gathering, missile strikes, and aerial surveillance.

To remind, the US forces launched the operation Epic Fury on February 28.