Trump Says We Sank Nine Iranian Ships – And More To Come

In a dramatic escalation of “Operation Epic Fury,” President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social on Sunday that United States military forces have “destroyed and sunk” nine Iranian naval vessels. The President’s statement, characterized by his signature bluntness and a warning of further strikes, comes as the Middle East reels from a weekend of unprecedented conflict that has reportedly claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Last night, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, struck Iran’s hardened ballistic missile facilities. No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve. pic.twitter.com/6JpG73lHYW

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed more than 1,000 Americans over the past 47 years. Yesterday, a large-scale U.S. strike cut off the head of the snake. America has the most powerful military on earth, and the IRGC no longer has a headquarters. pic.twitter.com/WdpN7JBECr

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

“Floating at the Bottom of the Sea”

The President’s post, shared early Sunday morning, sent shockwaves through international markets and diplomatic circles.

“I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important,” Trump wrote. “We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”

The announcement followed a series of overnight strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the naval engagement included the sinking of a Jamaran-class corvette at a pier in Chah Bahar. CENTCOM officials reinforced the President’s message on social media, urging members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to “abandon ship” and lay down their weapons.

Operation Epic Fury: The Context

The naval strikes are part of a broader campaign that began on February 28, 2026. President Trump, in an eight-minute video address, framed the operation as a “preemptive” necessity to eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime, citing its continued nuclear ambitions and its long-standing role as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties and tectonic shifts in regional power:

Death of the Supreme Leader: Iranian state media confirmed on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening salvos of the strikes.
Naval Headquarters Decimated: Reports indicate that the nerve center of Iran’s maritime operations has been rendered inoperable.
U.S. Casualties: The Pentagon confirmed that three U.S. service members were “killed in action” and five others were seriously wounded during the operation.

Regional Retaliation and Global Fallout

Tehran has not remained silent. The IRGC claimed to have targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, though CENTCOM dismissed these reports as a “lie,” stating the missiles “didn’t even come close.”

The ripples of the conflict are being felt across the globe. Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles. Major travel hubs in Dubai and Doha have suspended operations, and oil prices have seen sharp volatility as tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for 20% of the world’s oil.

Domestically, the strikes have drawn a polarized response. While some lawmakers offered condolences for the fallen troops and supported the “maximum pressure” tactic, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that only 27% of Americans approve of the strikes, with many expressing concern over the potential for an all-out regional war.

What Lies Ahead

President Trump has signaled that the operations are “ahead of schedule” and will continue “as long as necessary.” In a separate phone interview with Axios, he remarked, “I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days.”

As of Sunday evening, two further explosions were reported in Tehran, suggesting that the “Epic Fury” campaign shows no signs of slowing.