U.S. Forces Strike Iranian Drone Carrier in Operation Epic Fury

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces struck the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, Iran's first dedicated drone carrier, shortly after launching Operation Epic Fury on March 2, 2026. CENTCOM refuted claims from Iranian state media that a U.S. aircraft carrier had been sunk, labeling these assertions as part of a "false messaging machine" by the Iranian regime. The Shahid Bagheri, a converted commercial vessel operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was designed to extend Iran's unmanned aerial operations beyond its coastline.

U.S. forces sink Iranian drone carrierUnited24 MediaCENTCOM: US Forces Struck Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Bagheri in Opening Hours of Iran CampaignU.S. Forces Destroy Iran’s Naval Fleet, Including New Converted Drone Carrier in the Gulf of OmanMEAWW

The strike on the Shahid Bagheri occurred within hours of the operation's initiation. CENTCOM stated, “The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri,” emphasizing that the vessel was targeted to disrupt Iran's capability to project drone operations into regional waters. The drone carrier, which features a long, flat deck for launching and recovering drones and helicopters, was previously showcased by Iranian media as a significant asset for unmanned operations.

U.S. forces sink Iranian drone carrierUnited24 MediaCENTCOM: US Forces Struck Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Bagheri in Opening Hours of Iran CampaignU.S. Forces Destroy Iran’s Naval Fleet, Including New Converted Drone Carrier in the Gulf of OmanAmerican forces obliterate Iranian Navy

The operation has reportedly resulted in the destruction of all 11 Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman, effectively eliminating Iran's fleet presence in this strategically significant waterway. CENTCOM noted, “Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO.” This military action is framed within a broader U.S. strategy to ensure freedom of maritime navigation, which has been a cornerstone of American and global economic interests for over 80 years.

American forces obliterate Iranian NavyCENTCOM: US Forces Struck Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Bagheri in Opening Hours of Iran CampaignU.S. Forces Destroy Iran’s Naval Fleet, Including New Converted Drone Carrier in the Gulf of OmanUnited24 Media

While U.S. officials assert the necessity of these operations to counter Iranian aggression, critics argue that such military actions may escalate tensions further in the region. The Iranian regime has historically used claims of military success to bolster domestic support, and the denial of the sinking of a U.S. aircraft carrier could be seen as an attempt to maintain morale amidst military setbacks.

MEAWW

Despite CENTCOM's assertions, independent verification of the strike's impact on the Shahid Bagheri has not yet been made public. Additionally, while CENTCOM claims to have neutralized all Iranian naval vessels, there has been no immediate response from Iranian authorities regarding the status of their fleet or the specifics of the engagement.

U.S. forces sink Iranian drone carrier

• “the Iranian regime’s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a U.S. aircraft carrier.” — U.S. Central Command

U.S. forces sink Iranian drone carrier

• “The TRUTH: The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier.” — U.S. Central Command

CENTCOM: US Forces Struck Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Bagheri in Opening Hours of Iran Campaign

• “Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years.” — U.S. Central Command

CENTCOM: US Forces Struck Iranian Drone Carrier Shahid Bagheri in Opening Hours of Iran Campaign

The ongoing developments in the Gulf of Oman highlight the precarious balance of military power and the potential for further conflict in the region as the U.S. and its allies continue to respond to Iranian maritime activities.

American forces obliterate Iranian Navy