According to a Thursday night of 12 March 2026 report, CBS News has said that a confrontation occurred at sea involving a vessel believed to be Iranian and the United States’ (U.S.) Navy aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
The report stated that the incident began when the Iranian vessel approached the U.S. carrier, prompting a response from the warship’s defensive systems. Crew members aboard the carrier used a Mark-45 5-inch deck gun in an attempt to stop or deter the approaching ship.
The deck gun fired several rounds toward the vessel. However, the shots reportedly failed to hit the target. The report states that after the initial attempt with the deck gun did not stop the vessel, the situation escalated and an aircraft was deployed from the carrier.
A U.S. Navy helicopter, identified as an MH-60 Seahawk, was launched from the carrier during the encounter. The helicopter then engaged the vessel, using guided missiles.
The helicopter fired two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles at the ship. Both missiles struck the vessel, according to the report.
The extent of the damage to the vessel and whether there were casualties were not immediately clear. Additional details about the ship, including its specific mission or affiliation, were also not confirmed in the report.
The encounter comes amid rising tensions between the US and Iran in the region. Naval forces from both countries have had several confrontations in nearby waters in recent years.
Officials have not released further information about the circumstances that led to the vessel approaching the aircraft carrier or the rules of engagement used during the incident.