IRGC: USS Gerald Ford Retreat Shows Weakness of US Military

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has criticized the sudden withdrawal of the USS Gerald R. Ford from West Asia, saying it exposes the “hollowness of American military power.”

In a statement released on Friday, the IRGC highlighted that the aircraft carrier’s abrupt departure, at a critical stage of the ongoing conflict, shows the failure of the US military to support its forces in the region. The contrast between the ship’s loud arrival and its quiet exit reflects the “desperate and humiliating state” of the US and Israeli forces, the statement added.

The US military claimed the retreat was due to a non-combat-related fire in the ship’s laundry, which damaged over 100 beds and affected more than 200 crew members. However, the IRGC mocked this explanation, saying it raises questions about the strength of a military giant that leaves the battlefield over a laundry fire.

The statement also highlighted the USS Gerald Ford’s long history of technical and structural failures, including plumbing problems, clogged toilets, and morale issues during its nine-month deployment.

According to the IRGC, the real reason for the retreat lies in the fear of regional resistance forces. The carrier diverted to an American base to avoid the Bab al-Mandab Strait, effectively controlled by Yemeni resistance groups. The statement asked, “Why should a $13 billion warship be terrified of a few thousand-dollar speedboats?”

The IRGC also mentioned similar difficulties faced by USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean, suggesting that American warships are increasingly vulnerable in the region.

The statement warned that Iranian forces remain dominant and vigilant in regional waters. “Soldiers of Islam are ready to deliver a hard slap to the American warship and demonstrate their naval strength,” it added.

Iranian armed forces have continued to strike US and Israeli military assets since the unprovoked attacks on February 28, reinforcing Iran’s position in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters.