The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that the US “Abraham Lincoln” aircraft carrier was targeted during the funeral ceremony held for the martyrs of the “Dena” frigate. It was noted that the operation was carried out in response to the US military activities in the region and in memory of the “Dena” martyrs.
In a statement made by the Iranian army, it was reported that the naval forces targeted the US aircraft carrier with missiles and forced it to leave the region.
The statement included the following expressions:
“Within the scope of the operation, powerful shore-to-sea missiles were launched, causing this aircraft carrier to move away from the region.”
It was emphasized that the attack was carried out both as a response to the US activities in the region and simultaneously with the ceremony held for the martyrs of the “Dena” frigate.
The Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it will continue to target aircraft carriers and military bases in the region in response to attacks by the US and Israel. It was also reported that the “Abraham Lincoln” had been targeted multiple times before.
On March 8, 2026, the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran had announced that the “Dena” destroyer was attacked by US naval forces on its way back from the “Milan 2026” peace exercise.
In the incident:
- Out of a crew of 136, 104 were martyred,
- 20 are missing,
- 32 were injured.
Following the incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US would “pay a heavy price” in response to the attack.
The targeting of the US aircraft carrier by the Iranian army has escalated tensions in the region once again. In particular, the losses of the “Dena” frigate and the US military presence strengthen both the symbolic and strategic dimensions of the operation.
This move aims to demonstrate Iran’s military capacity and send a message to the US presence in the region. On the international stage, this situation could have serious implications, particularly in terms of maritime security and regional stability.
- Targeted US aircraft carrier: USS Abraham Lincoln
- Timing of targeting: During the funeral ceremony for the martyrs of the “Dena” frigate
- “Dena” crew: 136 personnel
- Number of martyrs: 104
- Missing: 20
- Injured: 32
- Previous attack claims: Missiles and military bases targeting the US
The missile operation carried out by Iran is interpreted as a strong response to the US military presence in the region. This action, conducted simultaneously with the losses of the “Dena” frigate and the funeral ceremony, indicates that tensions in the region are likely to continue.
Experts state that the US-Iran conflict in the region will continue to affect both maritime security and international diplomatic relations.
