Ankara: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced early Sunday that it launched ballistic missiles targeting a US aircraft carrier and a navy destroyer, asserting that both vessels were damaged and subsequently withdrew from the engagement area. According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC's Aerospace Force conducted the missile strikes, as detailed in a statement published by IRNA news agency. The IRGC accused the US warships of harassing Iranian ships and participating in a maritime blockade, leading to the confrontation.

The IRGC also mentioned that the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged the targeting of two navy warships, suggesting this acknowledgment as a confirmation of the IRGC operation. Further, the IRGC issued a warning that continued US military actions would provoke more severe responses from Iranian forces. In a separate announcement, the IRGC stated its navy targeted a remotely operated US military vessel attempting to enter a protected area within the Strait of Hormuz, though no specifics about the attack or potential damage were provided.

Additionally, the IRGC emphasized Tehran's stance that the Strait of Hormuz falls under Iranian jurisdiction and called for the US to exit the region. The conflict escalated on Saturday with the IRGC Navy claiming to have targeted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three US-linked vessels elsewhere, in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian tankers. CENTCOM confirmed that Iran had launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships patrolling the area but reported that both vessels successfully evaded the attacks, with no injuries to American personnel. In response, US forces targeted three Iranian crude oil tankers, marking a continuation of hostilities that have been ongoing since US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.