Iran Targets US Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln with Ballistic Missiles Amidst Rising Tensions

Tehran reportedly attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with four ballistic missiles on Sunday, March 1, 2026, escalating tensions in the Middle East following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US and Israeli strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was part of a retaliatory operation.

IRGC Claims and US Response

According to Iranian state media, the IRGC launched the ballistic missiles towards the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of “Operation True Promise 4.” The IRGC stated that land and sea areas would develop into the “graveyard of terrorist aggressors.” However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly denied the claims, asserting that the missiles did not hit the aircraft carrier and “didn’t even arrive close.”

Iran’s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE. ✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by… pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

Strategic Context and Regional Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln is one of two US aircraft carriers deployed to the region in recent weeks, as Washington sought to increase pressure on Tehran amid ongoing nuclear deal talks. The Lincoln is positioned relatively close to Iranian shores. Following the US-Israel joint strikes, Iran launched Operation ‘True Promise 4’, targeting US military bases in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Nuclear Negotiations Suspended

Prior to the recent escalation, Iran and the US were engaged in nuclear negotiations. However, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, confirmed that negotiations would not continue following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Recent Regional Developments

Reports indicate retaliatory attacks by Iran on various Israeli territories and US bases in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Iraq.

Key Takeaways

• Iran’s IRGC claimed to have attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles.
• The US Central Command denied the claim, stating the missiles missed the carrier.
• The attack occurred following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US have been suspended.
• Regional tensions are significantly heightened with retaliatory actions reported across the Middle East.

Sources:

• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims it targeted US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles – The Indian Express
• U.S. Confirms Iranian Ballistic Missiles Failed to Come Close to USS Abraham Lincoln – The Defense News
• Iran Attacks USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier With 4 Ballistic Missiles, Claims IRGC – Times Now News
• FACT CHECK: Did Iran strike ‘USS Abraham Lincoln’ with ballistic missiles? US military responds to IRGC claim – The Week