Iranian Revolutionary Guard says it hit US carrier and destroyer in Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Tuesday that it fired ballistic missiles at a United States aircraft carrier and a guided‑missile destroyer operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. The claim came amid an escalating standoff after Tehran declared a naval blockade of the waterway, a critical conduit for global oil shipments.

The IRGC said the missiles were launched from positions on the Iranian coast and successfully struck the two warships, though it offered no independent verification of damage. U.S. officials have not confirmed the incident, and the Pentagon declined to comment on the specific engagement while reiterating that American vessels remain vigilant in the region. The carrier, identified by analysts as the USS Gerald R. Ford, and the destroyer, likely the USS Kidd, have been part of a rotating presence intended to safeguard commercial traffic through the narrow strait.

The Strait of Hormuz, a 21‑mile-wide channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, handles roughly a fifth of the world’s petroleum trade. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the passage in response to what it calls unlawful sanctions and the presence of U.S. warships. Earlier this year, Tehran warned that any interference with its oil exports would trigger “necessary” defensive measures, a stance that has raised concerns about a broader disruption of energy markets.

Analysts note that any direct attack on high‑value U.S. naval assets could mark a significant escalation beyond the proxy skirmishes that have characterized the Iran‑U.S. relationship since 1979. A confirmed strike could prompt a calibrated response from Washington, potentially involving increased naval patrols or diplomatic pressure through the United Nations. Conversely, a misinterpretation or false claim could inflame regional tensions without a clear trigger for retaliation.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides monitoring movements closely. Al Jazeera will continue to update readers as new information emerges, and officials from the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization have called for restraint to keep the vital shipping lane open.