U.S. Navy Denies Iran's Claim of Striking USS Abraham Lincoln

CENTCOM says the aircraft carrier was not hit by Iranian missiles in the Arabian Sea.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has refuted claims made by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it successfully struck the USS Abraham Lincoln, a San Diego-based aircraft carrier, with ballistic missiles while the ship was operating in the Arabian Sea. CENTCOM stated that the Lincoln was not hit and the missiles 'didn't even come close' to the vessel.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the region, as well as the potential for further military escalation. The denial by CENTCOM and the continued operation of the USS Abraham Lincoln suggest confidence in the ship's defensive capabilities, but also raise questions about the reliability of claims made during conflict.

The details

According to CENTCOM, the USS Abraham Lincoln was not hit by the missiles, and the projectiles 'didn't even come close.' The IRGC had asserted that it penetrated air defenses and hit the 1,092-foot, nuclear-powered carrier with four missiles. CENTCOM stated that the Lincoln is continuing its operations, launching aircraft in support of its campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.

  • The incident occurred on March 2, 2026 while the USS Abraham Lincoln was operating in the Arabian Sea.

The players

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

The U.S. military's regional command responsible for operations in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran's elite military force responsible for domestic and foreign military operations.

USS Abraham Lincoln

A San Diego-based aircraft carrier that is currently playing a leading role in the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The USS Abraham Lincoln was not hit by the missiles, and the projectiles 'didn't even come close.'”

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Analysts expect continued military posturing from both the U.S. and Iran, and it is likely that the U.S. will continue to monitor Iranian activity closely in the region.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for escalation between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the importance of verifying claims made during conflict. The denial by CENTCOM and the continued operation of the USS Abraham Lincoln suggest a high degree of confidence in the ship's defensive capabilities, but also raise questions about the reliability of information from both sides.