Fact Check: Did Iran really strike a US Navy amphibious assault ship with missiles?
WASHINGTON, DC: Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising, with both sides exchanging strong statements and rejecting each other’s claims. Recently, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it launched a missile attack on the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli (LHA-7). But is the claim true?
Claim: Iran struck the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli
USS Tripoli (LHA 7) sails in the Indian Ocean, March 29. The amphibious assault ship is named after the Battle of Derna, which took place during the First Barbary War in 1805. pic.twitter.com/9JAoP1K1bP
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 31, 2026
A viral claim has surfaced online alleging that Iran struck a US Navy amphibious assault ship with missiles. According to the IRGC, the attack forced the ship to withdraw to the southern Indian Ocean. The group also said it targeted a container ship it claimed was linked to Israel, identified as 'SDN7,' but did not share its location.
The warship in question, the USS Tripoli (LHA-7), had entered the Middle East in late March carrying around 3,500 sailors and Marines, along with aircraft for transport and combat missions, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The massive vessel, measuring 844 feet long and equipped with advanced weapons systems, has now become the focus of intense online speculation.
The America-class amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli (LHA-7), conducts group sail during Exercise Iron Fist in the Indo-Pacific, March 1, 2026.
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) March 6, 2026
Iron Fist strengthens interoperability between the United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force,… pic.twitter.com/L8qfDheofi
It serves as the flagship of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and is designed for both air and sea operations. Reports say the ship arrived in the region as part of an increased US military presence.
At the same time, the United States has been strengthening its military deployment across the Middle East. It has positioned air and naval forces near key sea routes and bases as tensions and threats in the region continue to grow.
IRGC: Iranian Lightning Strikes Hit US Assault Ship with 5k Sailors, Marineshttps://t.co/PTLymsVCwR pic.twitter.com/7L7RbaOMMz
— Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) April 6, 2026
Fact Check: CENTCOM debunks IRGC's claims about USS Tripoli
🚫 CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claim they attacked and struck the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) with missiles, forcing it to withdraw from the region to the southern Indian Ocean.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 6, 2026
✅ FACT: USS Tripoli has not been attacked and continues to sail… pic.twitter.com/a1ii8laNLX
The US military has denied claims that Iranian forces attacked the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying thousands of troops. Officials said the rumors, which spread earlier in the day, are false.
In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the USS Tripoli has not been attacked and is continuing to operate in the Arabian Sea as part of its mission.
The post emphasized, "The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets."
A few days earlier, the US military rescued a pilot and a weapons specialist from an F-15E fighter jet that had been hit by Iranian air defenses.
Speaking at a press conference, President Donald Trump said hundreds of personnel were involved in the rescue. He also warned that the US could carry out more airstrikes on Iran’s infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal.
