THE United States (US) aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has reportedly left its operational area in the region after being “neutralised” by Iranian military forces, according to a spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff.
Quoting the spokesperson, Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iranian media reported on Saturday that the aircraft carrier withdrew from the region following what he described as a “historic defeat”.
Shekarchi claimed that the aircraft carrier had begun its return journey to the US, but did not provide further details.
According to an earlier US statement, USS Abraham Lincoln had been deployed in the Gulf of Oman, while the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R was operating in the Red Sea.
Shekarchi urged regional countries not to trust the US, saying Washington’s “imaginary power” could not guarantee the security of Islamic nations.
He also called for unity among Islamic countries to confront what he described as threats led by the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called on other nations to assist in safeguarding the crucial maritime route disrupted by the conflict with Iran.
After previously indicating that the United States Navy would very soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump on Saturday appealed for broader international support.
In a post on social media, he said several countries could deploy warships alongside the United States to ensure the busy shipping corridor remains open and secure.
Trump added that nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom would hopefully take part in the effort. —Mar 15, 2026
Main image: PACOM
