More than 30 of Iran’s ships sunk so far, US says, as strikes on Tehran intensify

Over 30 Iranian ships reportedly sunk in US strikes, escalating attacks on Tehran

The US military reported that more than 30 Iranian vessels have been sunk, including a drone carrier, as part of ongoing operations targeting the Islamic Republic’s naval forces. This figure was disclosed by the US Navy on Friday, which noted that the attack on an Iranian drone carrier occurred late Thursday. The vessel, struck in the open sea, was described by US Admiral Brad Cooper as “roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier,” with Cooper adding that “as we speak, it’s on fire.”

“We’ve also struck Iran’s equivalent of Space Command, which degrades their ability to threaten Americans,” Cooper said, highlighting the strategic nature of the assault. The Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier, revealing it as a converted container ship equipped with an 180-meter-long runway for drones.

Meanwhile, Israel announced it had initiated a series of airstrikes on Tehran, intensifying the regional conflict. Witnesses reported that the strikes caused significant disruptions, with explosions reported near Kermanshah, a city housing several missile bases. The Israeli military claimed the attacks have dismantled most of Iran’s air defenses and missile launchers.

“Strikes on Iran are about to surge dramatically,” said US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who emphasized the expansion of US military efforts. “It’s more fighter squadrons, more capabilities, more defensive systems, and more bombers that pulse more frequently,” he added, signaling a broader campaign.

Iran’s military did not immediately confirm the attacks, but Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the US Navy’s actions, calling the sinking of the IRIS Dena frigate an “atrocity at sea.” The incident occurred in the Indian Ocean while the vessel was returning from an exercise co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the US. Sri Lankan authorities confirmed 32 crew members were rescued.

The conflict has now reached multiple countries, with Iran launching missile and drone strikes into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. These nations all host US military forces, though no immediate casualties were reported. In Lebanon, where the war has reignited clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas around Beirut, causing traffic chaos as residents fled or sought shelter.

The war has claimed at least 1,230 lives in Iran, over 120 in Lebanon, and a dozen in Israel, according to officials from all three nations. The US, meanwhile, reported the loss of six soldiers during the operations. As the conflict intensifies, both the US and Israel continue to focus on neutralizing Iran’s military assets, leadership, and nuclear infrastructure. The drone carrier, IRIS Shahid Bagheri, was noted for its ability to traverse up to 22,000 nautical miles without refueling, as reported at its 2005 launch.