The United States military has effectively neutralized Iran’s naval forces within a few days, according to an announcement from the Department of War on Monday. This declaration was accompanied by a video showcasing the destruction of Iran’s largest ship.

“Just two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships patrolling the Gulf of Oman. Today, that number stands at zero,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported via social media platform X.

One of the key targets was Iran’s substantial drone carrier ship, which was launched by the regime in February 2025. The vessel, known as the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, represented a significant asset in Iran’s naval capabilities and was destroyed on Saturday. This action also served to counter widespread misinformation circulating on social media, which falsely claimed that an American aircraft carrier had been sunk by the Islamic Republic. 

“Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it.”

The US military said that it had taken out Iran’s large drone carrier ship, which the regime launched in February 2025.

The IRIS Shahid Bagheri, the first of its kind in Iran’s navy, was hit on Saturday as US forces shot down rumors going viral on social media claiming that the Islamic Republic had sunk an American aircraft carrier. 

“The Iranian regime’s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a US aircraft carrier. The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier,” CENTCOM said. 

The IRIS Shahid Bagheri was deployed to the Persian Gulf last month as a response to the growing American naval fleet in the region before war broke out on Saturday. 

The extent of the damage against the Iranian vessel remains unclear, with unverified reports claiming it was sunk. 

The IRIS Shahid Bagheri was previously a merchant ship before being converted into a drone aircraft carrier in 2024, according to reports.

Images of the ship quickly went viral that year after Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) suggested that an Iranian drone “mothership” was operating off the coast of New Jersey.  The Shahid Bagheri is believed to be one of at least three drone vessels that Iran controls, with the other two being the Shahid Roudaki and Shahid Mahdavi, both of which are smaller and less advanced.