- ► U.S. Central Command said 11 Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman were eliminated within two days.
- ► Strike footage released by CENTCOM shows precision impacts on ships underway at sea.
- ► The command stated Iranian forces had harassed international shipping in the region for decades.
- ► Earlier U.S. statements said the Iranian drone carrier Shahid Bagheri was struck during Operation Epic Fury.
- ► Independent verification of the current Iranian naval status in the Gulf of Oman is not yet available.
US Central Command Says Iranian Navy Eliminated In Gulf Of Oman
US Central Command says the Iranian Navy presence in the Gulf of Oman has been eliminated following two days of strikes, marking a major escalation in maritime security operations in the region.
In a public statement, United States Central Command said that 11 Iranian vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman were destroyed. The command posted video footage showing precision strikes hitting ships at sea.
Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have zero, CENTCOM wrote on social media.
The U.S. military did not disclose which platforms or munitions were used. It also did not specify whether the vessels belonged to Iran’s regular navy or to the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which often operates fast attack craft and patrol boats in regional waters.
Strategic Importance Of The Gulf Of Oman
The Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. A significant share of global oil shipments passes through this corridor.
For decades, U.S. naval forces have maintained a presence in the area to deter attacks on commercial shipping. Washington has repeatedly accused Iranian naval units of harassing tankers and other civilian vessels.
In its latest statement, CENTCOM said freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned global economic stability for more than 80 years. U.S. forces, it added, will continue to defend it.
Drone Carrier Reportedly Hit In Opening Phase
Earlier this week, U.S. officials stated that an Iranian drone carrier, identified as the Shahid Bagheri, was struck within hours of the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
The vessel was described as a converted commercial ship modified to deploy and recover unmanned aerial systems at sea. Such platforms are intended to extend Iran’s surveillance and strike reach without relying on conventional aircraft carriers.
If confirmed, the loss of the Shahid Bagheri would represent a setback for Tehran’s efforts to expand asymmetric maritime capabilities. Drone carriers allow distributed operations and can complicate regional naval planning.
Verification And Regional Implications
As of publication, there has been no official response from Iranian authorities regarding the claim that all Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman were eliminated. Independent verification remains limited.
The scale of the reported destruction raises significant questions about escalation control in a region already marked by periodic tensions between U.S. forces and Iranian units.
From an operational standpoint, the reported elimination of 11 vessels within two days suggests a coordinated strike campaign rather than isolated engagements. The absence of detail on force composition or engagement rules leaves open questions about the broader scope of Operation Epic Fury.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Strategically, the move signals a clear intent by the United States to deter further maritime interference. However, sustained naval dominance in confined waterways such as the Gulf of Oman requires continuous presence and surveillance, not just short term strike actions.
Maritime security in the region remains closely watched by global energy markets and allied naval forces. Any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz can have immediate economic consequences.
