The United States military has categorically rejected claims made by Iran that it successfully struck the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

In a clear dismissal of the Iranian assertions, US officials confirmed that the key naval vessel remains completely undamaged.

Key details from the US military statement:

• No Impact: “The Lincoln was not hit,” the official statement confirmed.
• Missiles Missed Widely: The military emphasized that the weapons fired by Iran “didn’t even come close” to the aircraft carrier.
• Operations Continue: The USS Abraham Lincoln remains fully operational. The carrier “continues to launch aircraft” in support of what the military described as a “relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.”

The statement reinforces that the US Navy’s presence and operational capabilities in the region remain unaffected despite the claims.

Tehran: In a major escalation of regional hostilities, Iranian state media has claimed that the United States Navy’s aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was targeted in a direct missile strike. According to reports from Tehran, four ballistic missiles were launched at the formidable US warship.

Key Highlights of the Incident:

• The Claim: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a statement claiming they fired four ballistic missiles directed at the USS Abraham Lincoln.
• Awaiting Confirmation: Despite the aggressive claims broadcasted by Iranian state media, there is currently no official confirmation that the projectiles successfully hit their intended target or caused any damage.
• US Silence: The Pentagon and the US military have not yet issued an official statement or confirmed the Iranian claims regarding the aircraft carrier.

Escalating Middle East Tensions

This unverified claim comes at a time of severe geopolitical unrest and escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is a critical component of the American naval presence in the Middle East, deployed to project power and deter threats in the volatile region.

If these claims are confirmed, it would mark a significant and unprecedented direct attack on a US aircraft carrier. However, until the US Defense Department provides an official update, the exact status of the ship and the validity of Iran’s claims remain unconfirmed.

DUBAI — In a major escalation of regional tensions, Dubai authorities issued an emergency alert on Sunday, instructing residents and tourists to “seek immediate shelter” following multiple explosions heard across the UAE’s commercial capital.

The alert comes as Iran launched a wave of missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states, citing retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Emergency Alerts & Safety Instructions

The Dubai Government Media Office sent widespread mobile notifications as air defense systems were activated. The message urged everyone to:

• Seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and glass facades.
• Avoid open areas until further notice.

Authorities confirmed that debris from intercepted drones fell in residential courtyards, causing at least two injuries. “The sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations,” the media office stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Impact on Infrastructure and Travel

The retaliatory strikes have caused significant disruptions to Dubai’s infrastructure:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB): One of the world’s busiest hubs sustained damage. Four people were reported injured at the airport, and several flights have been suspended.+1
• Jebel Ali Port: A fire broke out at one of the berths after being hit by falling debris from an aerial interception.
• Landmarks: Reports and social media footage indicate smoke and minor damage near the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah hotel districts.
• Abu Dhabi: Similar explosions were heard in the capital. Officials at Zayed International Airport confirmed one fatality and seven injuries following an incident at the facility.

Regional Aviation Grinds to a Halt

Major airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, have suspended flights across the Middle East. Travelers are advised to check their flight status frequently and avoid traveling to the airports until the situation stabilizes.

TEHRAN — In a major escalation of Middle East tensions, Iranian state media has officially confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint US-Israeli airstrikes. The 86-year-old leader was reportedly killed at his office during the bombardment.

Iran has declared a 40-day national mourning period in response to the assassination. Khamenei, who succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 at the age of 50, held ultimate authority over Iran’s government, military, and judiciary for over three decades. According to state media, Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandson also lost their lives in the attacks.

Heavy Casualties Reported Across Iran

The weekend strikes hit 24 provinces across the country, resulting in at least 201 fatalities. The death toll includes significant civilian casualties.

• School Attacks: Israel reportedly struck two schools during the operation.
• Minab Tragedy: At least 108 people were killed at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab.

US President Donald Trump Signals Continued Bombing

US President Donald Trump confirmed the joint operation, stating on his Truth Social platform that Khamenei was “unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems”.

Trump announced “major combat operations” and indicated that the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” of Iran will continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary” to achieve military objectives.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Across the Middle East

In response to the assassination and bombings, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it is conducting multiple waves of “retaliatory” strikes against US and Israeli positions.

• Regional Targets: The counterattacks have targeted military assets in multiple Middle Eastern countries.
• Air-Defenses Activated: The strikes have triggered air-defense interceptions in nations hosting US bases, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Additional targets were reported in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Global Response and Airspace Closures

The unprecedented exchange of attacks has prompted several countries across the region to completely shut down their airspace. At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the military action risks “igniting a chain of events that no one can control,” calling for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities

New Delhi / Dubai: War fears are escalating in the Middle East following a joint airstrike by the United States and Israel on Iran. In retaliation to the US-Israeli offensive, explosions have been reported across Gulf countries including the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain following a wave of Iranian missile strikes. Iran reportedly targeted major American military bases stationed in the Gulf region.+1

Key Highlights:

• One Civilian Killed in the UAE: Residents reported hearing loud explosions in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While the UAE’s air defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming Iranian missiles, falling debris struck a residential area, resulting in the death of an Asian civilian in Abu Dhabi, the UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed.+1
• Qatar Intercepts Missiles: Qatar announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed Iranian missiles aimed at Doha. No casualties or major damages have been reported in the country so far.
• US Military Bases Targeted: Missile strikes were directed at the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were also reportedly among Iran’s primary targets.+1
• Saudi Arabia Condemns the Action: Explosions were also reported in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Describing Iran’s actions as a “treacherous attack,” Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the strikes and warned that Tehran would face serious consequences.+1

The initial airstrikes by the US and Israel began early Saturday morning, reportedly hitting several targets, including areas near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran launched its heavy counter-offensive shortly after.

As the conflict intensifies, high-level security alerts have been issued across the entire Gulf region. Several nations, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, have closed their airspace. Consequently, numerous international flights—including several services to and from India—have been canceled or diverted. The rapidly deteriorating situation points to the growing risk of a full-scale war in the Middle East