Iranian military officials have issued a warning to the United States regarding the presence of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in regional waters. They stated that the carrier could become a target if it enters areas within the range of Iranian missile systems.
The statement, made by Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani and reported by state media, emphasised that the movements of the US carrier strike group are under constant surveillance.
Iranian Claims vs US Response
Iran’s military, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has claimed it launched cruise missiles and conducted drone operations targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln. Iranian officials said some missiles struck or forced the carrier to change position. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has strongly denied these claims, stating that the missiles did not come close to the carrier and that it continues to operate normally in support of regional missions.
Earlier in February 2026, the US military confirmed that an F-35C fighter jet launched from the Abraham Lincoln shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that was aggressively approaching the carrier in the Arabian Sea.
Background and Strategic Context
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has been deployed in the Arabian Sea and surrounding areas as part of US efforts to maintain maritime security and deter threats amid the broader conflict in West Asia. Iran has repeatedly warned against the use of foreign military assets near its territorial waters and has expanded its missile and drone capabilities in the region.
The situation remains tense, with concerns over potential disruption to key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil supplies.
Analysts note that while Iranian claims of striking the carrier have not been independently verified, the repeated warnings highlight the fragile security environment in the Middle East and the risk of further escalation between Iran and the United States.