‘Powerful Strike’: IRGC hits US destroyer with ballistic, strategic cruise missiles in Indian Ocean

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it carried out a long-range missile strike on a US destroyer in the Indian Ocean. The announcement was made early Tuesday as part of what Iran calls Operation True Promise 4.

According to the IRGC, the American warship was located more than 600 kilometers away from Iran’s borders at the time of the strike. The Corps said the vessel was refueling from a US tanker when it was targeted.

Missiles Used in the Strike

The IRGC stated that it used Ghadr-380 ballistic missiles and Talaieh strategic cruise missiles in the operation.

The Ghadr missile is described as a medium-range ballistic missile. It has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers. Iranian officials say it is built for precision targeting and quick launch.

The Talaieh missile is a cruise missile system. It can reportedly reach targets up to 1,000 kilometers away. Iranian sources say it is capable of adjusting its route mid-flight.

The IRGC claimed the strike caused widespread fires on both the destroyer and the tanker vessel.

There has been no immediate confirmation from US officials regarding the reported damage.

Part of Operation True Promise 4

Iran says the strike is part of Operation True Promise 4, which began after what Tehran describes as Israeli-American aggression earlier this week.

The IRGC has stated that several American and Israeli-linked targets across West Asia have been struck during the operation.

Iranian officials also claimed that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was targeted in separate missile attacks earlier in the campaign.

Iran’s Position

Iran says its actions are defensive. Officials in Tehran argue that the operation is meant to deter further attacks on Iranian territory.

The IRGC has vowed to continue the operation if tensions remain high. Regional developments are being closely watched by international observers.