U.S. Navy Engages Iranian Vessel Near USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea

This clash fits into a pattern of escalating maritime confrontations. In early February, U.S. forces downed an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that aggressively maneuvered toward the Abraham Lincoln. The carrier strike group had deployed to the region in late January, a move President Donald Trump publicly described as an “armada” to project strength amid rising tensions with Tehran.

Since the onset of broader U.S. military operations against Iran, American forces have reportedly damaged or destroyed more than 90 Iranian naval vessels, according to U.S. Central Command figures. These engagements highlight how naval skirmishes have become a routine element of the conflict.

The Mark-45 gun’s reported misses raise questions about factors such as range, sea state, or the Iranian vessel’s speed and maneuvers. Meanwhile, the Hellfire—a precision-guided missile originally designed for anti-armor roles but effective against surface targets—provided a lethal and accurate follow-up.