Iran fires 101 missiles at USS Abraham Lincoln — all intercepted per Trump; IRGC claims carrier hit and withdrew

Iran's IRGC launched 101 missiles and drones targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln on Day 25 (March 24, 2026) as the carrier approached within approximately 340 kilometers of Iran's territorial waters near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The carrier was supporting Operation Epic Fury, the US-led air campaign against Iran that began February 28. At the swearing-in ceremony for new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday, President Trump disclosed: 'They shot 100 missiles at one of our aircraft carriers, one of the biggest ships in the world. And of 101 missiles shot, every single one of them was knocked down on the sea. 101 missiles, highly sophisticated, very fast missiles shot, and of 101, all 101 were shot down, and now for the most part lying at the bottom of the sea.' Iran's IRGC disputed this account. A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters claimed the vessel was struck by drones and subsequently withdrew from the area. Iranian state media cited Qader shore-based anti-ship cruise missiles (Iran's primary naval strike weapon against carrier groups) and stated the carrier strike group retreated significantly. ABC News reported that the Qader missiles 'forced it to change its position' — a partial acknowledgement that the carrier repositioned. The USS Abraham Lincoln is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with a crew of approximately 5,000. A successful strike on an American carrier would be the most consequential naval event of the 21st century. The Day 26 Times Now liveblog reported 'Iran fires missiles at USS Abraham Lincoln an hour after warning' with the naval commander having stated the carrier was under 'constant monitoring' and would be targeted upon entering missile range.