Tehran (TDI): Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed late Friday that it had targeted the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with missiles and drones, causing “major damage” and forcing the vessel to withdraw, according to a statement posted on X.
The US Central Command denied the claims, stating that the aircraft carrier was unharmed and fully operational.
Meanwhile, Turkiye reported intercepting a third Iranian ballistic missile over its airspace in just over a week, highlighting regional tensions. Israel also warned residents in two Tehran neighborhoods, Villa and Moniriyeh, to evacuate ahead of planned airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure.
Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and called on neighboring countries to remove US bases, warning of retaliation otherwise. The Israel Defense Forces reported striking over 200 targets in western and central Iran, while Iran launched missiles toward Israel, causing injuries and property damage in both countries.
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The escalating conflict has killed more than 2,000 civilians, disrupted millions of lives, and sent global oil prices surging. Oil hit $100 per barrel Thursday amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. The US and International Energy Agency have released emergency reserves and temporarily allowed Russian oil imports to stabilise markets.
US President Donald Trump defended the military campaign on social media, calling Iran a “terrorist regime” and claiming the US stands to gain economically from higher oil prices, comments which drew sharp criticism from domestic opposition lawmakers over the humanitarian cost of the conflict.
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The war’s impact extends across the region, with strikes in Lebanon, Iraq, and Gulf waters affecting shipping and causing further civilian and infrastructure damage.
