WANA (Mar 25) – The Iranian Navy reportedly launched shore-to-sea cruise missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, forcing the U.S. naval unit to alter its position.

 

According to Iranian state media, the operation was personally authorized by Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, from the naval operations headquarters.

 

He paid tribute to the memory of the crew of the destroyer Dena and emphasized Iran’s commitment to maintaining what he described as “full maritime sovereignty” in the Persian Gulf and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

 

Rear Admiral Irani stated that the Iranian Navy continues to monitor the movements of hostile naval forces in the region. He asserted that any adversary vessel entering the effective range of Iran’s missile systems would become a target for decisive strikes.

 

“Like the Dena mountain, we stand firm for the honor of Iran and to serve as a beacon of hope for the oppressed and a deterrent to our enemies,” he said.

 

The reported attack highlights Tehran’s ongoing emphasis on coastal missile capabilities and its readiness to respond to U.S. naval presence in the northern Persian Gulf.