Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it fired ballistic missiles at the USS George Washington aircraft carrier on September 5, 2026, in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media outlets Fars News Agency and IRNA. The Pentagon categorically denied the claim, with US Central Command stating no US Navy ships were hit, no damage was sustained, and no casualties were reported. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions over Project Freedom, a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping that Tehran views as economic warfare justifying military response.
IRGC Claims Missile Strike on USS George Washington
Iranian state outlets including Fars News Agency and IRNA reported that the IRGC launched ballistic missiles targeting US Navy warships operating near the Strait of Hormuz on September 5, 2026. The primary target was identified as the USS George Washington (CVN-73), a Nimitz-class carrier deployed to the Arabian Sea since August 2026. Iranian coverage stated the launches involved missiles fired at two US warships, not just the George Washington. Tehran framed the action as a direct response to what it characterizes as an illegal naval blockade of its shipping lanes under the US military operation branded Project Freedom.
Pentagon Denies Any Hits on US Naval Assets
US Central Command issued an unambiguous response to the Iranian claims. CENTCOM stated that no US Navy ships were struck, maintaining that forces in the region successfully evaded the incoming missiles. The command reported zero damage and zero casualties from the September 5 launches. On the same day, American forces struck three Iranian crude oil tankers, which were reportedly permanently disabled or destroyed. CENTCOM emphasized that naval operations in the region continue without disruption.
USS George Washington Deployment to Arabian Sea
The USS George Washington arrived in the Arabian Sea in August 2026 to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been the primary carrier presence during an earlier phase of rising tensions. The broader conflict has been ongoing since February 28, 2026, following a series of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian interests. This is not the first time in 2026 that Iranian state media has claimed successful strikes against US naval assets. Earlier reports from IRGC-affiliated outlets made similar assertions about missile launches targeting American carriers, and in each case CENTCOM issued categorical denials.
FAQ
What did Iran claim happened on September 5, 2026?
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it fired ballistic missiles at the USS George Washington aircraft carrier and another US warship in the Strait of Hormuz on September 5, 2026, according to Iranian state media outlets Fars News Agency and IRNA.
How did the Pentagon respond to Iran's missile strike claims?
US Central Command categorically denied the claims, stating that no US Navy ships were hit, no damage was sustained, and no casualties were reported. CENTCOM maintained that forces in the region successfully evaded the incoming missiles.
Why did Iran claim to target US naval vessels?
Tehran framed the alleged missile launches as a direct response to Project Freedom, a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping that Iran views as an illegal operation and an act of economic warfare.
