US Military Releases Video of Strike on Iranian Drone Carrier

The United States military has conducted a strike on a large Iranian vessel used as a drone carrier, which had previously been targeted in the opening hours of the ongoing operation against Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage showing a munition hitting the massive ship, with thick black smoke billowing from the impact.

According to CENTCOM, the drone carrier, comparable in size to a World War II-era aircraft carrier, is currently on fire. The command stated via social media that U.S. Forces are continuing their mission against the Iranian Navy.

Media reports indicate this is the same vessel—the Shahid Bahman Bagheri, a carrier for attack drones—that was first struck by U.S. Forces on February 28 during the initial phase of Operation "Epic Fury."

This latest action follows recent statements by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who noted an intensification of American strikes against Iran's naval forces. He reported that approximately 30 Iranian vessels have been destroyed to date.

The Shahid Bahman Bagheri is a converted container ship, refitted between 2022 and 2024. Its modifications included adding an angled flight deck with a ski-jump ramp similar to those found on light aircraft carriers. The vessel is named after a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who was killed during the Iran-Iraq war.

According to Iranian state media, the ship was capable of carrying up to 60 drones and featured a 170-meter-long runway.