Iran Warns Of Missile Strike On USS Abraham Lincoln If It Enters Firing Range After IRIS Dena Sinking

Iran has warned that it will target the USS Abraham Lincoln if it comes within firing range, following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena earlier this month.

The warning, issued on March 29, comes as tensions continue to rise in the Gulf region and nearby waters that are critical for global shipping and oil trade.

Iranian Navy Chief Shahram Irani said the carrier strike group would be attacked with sea-to-sea missiles once it enters range.

He stated that the move would be in response to the deaths of sailors aboard IRIS Dena, which Iran says was sunk by the United States on March 4.

According to Iranian reports, the frigate was hit in international waters in the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka’s southern coast, close to Galle, while returning home.

The ship had recently taken part in a multinational naval exercise hosted by India and had also visited Visakhapatnam as part of that deployment.

The IRIS Dena was a Moudge-class frigate designed for long-range operations. It was equipped with heavy guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, and could operate a helicopter.

Per reports, the vessel was sunk by a torpedo fired from a US submarine. Around 80 to 87 sailors were killed in the incident, with only a few survivors rescued.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently deployed in the Gulf region and is leading US air operations, especially as other carriers such as the USS Gerald R. Ford are not active due to maintenance.

At the same time, US Central Command has confirmed that an additional 3,500 Marines have been sent to the region.

There are also reports that the United States is preparing for possible ground operations aimed at securing key locations such as Kharg Island and maintaining control over major shipping routes.

Iran has said it is closely tracking the movements of the carrier strike group and claims it has full control over the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.

The strait is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with about 20 per cent of global crude oil passing through it.

Tensions in the region have already affected shipping. Iran has announced restrictions that have effectively limited movement through the Strait of Hormuz. This has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel and raised concerns about energy supply in several countries.

Yemen’s Houthi group has launched missile attacks towards Israel, and Iran has carried out strikes on US bases and allied targets in the region. These attacks have affected both military and civilian infrastructure.

Statements from Iranian officials have also pointed to mistrust over ongoing diplomatic signals. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that while the US is talking about negotiations, it is also preparing for possible military action.

References: wionews, moneycontrol