Iran Claims It Targeted US Warship and Israeli-Linked Container Ship, Says Vessel Caught Fire

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it targeted a United States amphibious assault ship and an Israeli-linked container vessel in its latest round of attacks, according to statements carried by state media.

The IRGC said it struck the US Navy’s USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and forced it to move back towards the southern Indian Ocean. The United States has not confirmed whether the ship was hit or whether it changed course after the incident.

The warship entered the Middle East in late March, according to US Central Command. It is about 844 feet long and 106 feet wide, and is equipped with missile launchers, gun systems and machine guns.

The vessel is the flagship of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and was carrying around 3,500 sailors and Marines, along with aircraft.

In the same statement, the IRGC said it also targeted a container ship identified as “SDN7,” which it described as Israeli-owned. It said the ship was hit with cruise missiles and caught fire, but did not provide details about its location. There has been no independent confirmation of the strike or the damage.

The IRGC said these actions were part of the 98th wave of its operations against US and Israeli targets. It also claimed strikes on several locations, including Haifa, Be’er Sheva and Petah Tikva in Israel.

According to the statement, targets included petrochemical facilities, a gathering place of Israeli forces, and a joint drone production centre linked to the United Arab Emirates and Israel. It also mentioned attacks on aircraft at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The developments come after a major escalation on 28 February, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Iranian reports said the attacks killed senior leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with military commanders and civilians. Iran has since launched repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel and US-linked targets in the region.

Tensions have also affected shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade. Iran has tightened its control over the strait, and shipping movement has slowed down. Oil and gas prices have risen, and several countries are now looking at alternative routes.

South Korea is planning to bring in oil through Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu, while Taiwan is also considering the Red Sea route. Indonesia has said it will increase jet fuel surcharges, and Air Asia X has announced ticket price hikes of up to 40 percent due to rising fuel costs.

Israel said it carried out strikes on Iran’s largest petrochemical complex in Assaluyeh, where local media reported explosions. The facility is said to account for about half of Iran’s petrochemical production. Another strike reportedly killed a senior IRGC commander.

The situation has also spread to other countries in the region. Kuwait reported that six people were injured in a strike on a residential area. Iran also said it carried out attacks involving drones and missiles targeting Israel, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States has warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said he could target infrastructure such as bridges and power plants if shipping through the strait is not restored. Iran has said it will carry out stronger attacks if such action is taken.

Efforts are being made to reduce tensions. Reports said a possible 45-day ceasefire is being discussed with the involvement of Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, but no agreement has been confirmed. Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations are currently taking place.

References: Xinhua, Times of Israel