US strikes Iranian drone carrier; admiral says 'it's on fire'

The US struck an Iranian drone carrier that is currently on fire, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said. "In just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier, and as we speak, it's on fire." Iran's drone carriers are crewed combat vessels that can launch one-way attack drones as well as uncrewed reconnaissance and strike platforms.

Destroying Iran's naval forces, including warships, has been named a priority by US President Donald Trump and other officials under Operation Epic Fury, and Cooper said US forces have sunk over 30 Iranian vessels since the operation began last weekend. Cooper did not elaborate on the carrier's location or what munition struck it.

Tehran fields multiple vessels suitable as launch platforms, including a former tanker converted into a forward base ship that was seen smoking at its home port in recent satellite images.

Iran, Tehran

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