Washington DC [US], March 26 (ANI): A day after Iran’s Navy claimed the USS Abraham Lincoln was forced to change position following a barrage of cruise missile fire, US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the carrier remains conducting flight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters.
In a post on X, US CENTCOM said, “USS Abraham Lincoln continues flight operations against military targets in Iran while sailing in regional waters.” (Tweet: pic.twitter.com/GsLQKNaTbN)
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the United States Navy.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Iranian Navy issued a direct warning to the United States, saying the carrier is being closely monitored and could be struck if it approaches Iranian territory. State broadcaster Press TV quoted Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani as saying the USS Abraham Lincoln is under constant surveillance and would be targeted by the navy if it entered the range of Iran’s missile systems.
The naval warning followed broader criticism of US influence by senior Iranian military officials, who described recent American diplomatic moves as a façade. Press TV reported Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, saying the “strategic power” once flaunted by the US has “turned into a strategic defeat.”
Those comments came after a notable de-escalation by US President Donald Trump, who stepped back from a 48-hour ultimatum to strike Iranian power plants. The shift followed Iran’s warning that any such action would prompt reciprocal strikes on energy and power installations across the region.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi told state media that Tehran will continue a policy of “resistance” in response to what it calls “unprovoked American-Israeli aggression,” and ruled out negotiations or a ceasefire without reliable guarantees. “At present, our policy is to continue resistance, and no negotiations have taken place,” Araghchi said in a televised interview, adding there are no ongoing negotiations and questioning the reliability of external assurances.
Separately, speaking at the NRCC Annual Fundraising Dinner, Trump said there has “never been a head of a country who wanted that job less than being the head of Iran,” asserting US successes in the region and claiming Iran seeks a deal but fears domestic and external repercussions.
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
