Tehran, — March 3, 2026 : Significant losses have been reported within Iran’s naval forces following recent United States military operations conducted under Operation Epic Fury. Statements from U.S. officials, including the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), along with satellite imagery analysis and field assessments, indicate the destruction and sinking of multiple Iranian surface combatants and submarines across key naval facilities.
Destruction of IRIS Shahid Bagheri
CENTCOM confirmed the destruction of the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, a drone and helicopter carrier commissioned on February 6, 2025. The approximately 40,000-ton vessel was converted over a two-year period from a 240-meter commercial container ship and featured a 180-meter ski-jump runway designed to support sustained operations without refueling. According to U.S. officials, the vessel was struck during operations on March 2. Satellite imagery supports reports that the ship sustained catastrophic damage during the engagement.
IRINS Makran Severely Damaged
Satellite data also confirms the destruction of IRINS Makran, Iran’s first forward base ship. The Makran, a former oil tanker converted into an Expeditionary Sea Base, served as a mobile logistical and operational support platform. It was moored at Bandar Abbas naval base near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck. Imagery shows precision strikes by U.S. Air Force aircraft resulted in severe structural damage to the vessel while it remained alongside the pier.
Fateh-Class Submarine Taken Out
New reports indicate that an Iranian Fateh-class submarine was taken out in waters near Bandar Abbas, close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic chokepoints. The strike adds to the list of confirmed submarine losses in the ongoing conflict. Analysts have not publicly confirmed the vessel’s exact status beyond initial reports, but multiple sources indicate its loss during recent engagements.
Jamaran-Class Corvette Sunk
CENTCOM separately confirmed the sinking of a Jamaran-class corvette during the initial phase of the operation at Chah Bahar. The Jamaran-class, also known as the Moudge-class, forms a central component of Iran’s domestically built surface fleet. Prior to these events, six vessels of the class had been completed. The IRIS Jamaran (76) was also reported sunk at moorings in Bandar Abbas following missile strikes.
The class has previously been involved in notable incidents, including a friendly fire event in May 2020 involving the IRIS Jamaran and a Noor anti-ship missile, and the July 2024 capsizing and subsequent recommissioning of the IRIS Sahand.
Alvand-Class Frigate Loss
Satellite imagery from commercial providers shows an Alvand-class frigate emitting heavy smoke after being struck in port. The Alvand-class displaces approximately 1,500 tons and includes vessels originally built in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. These frigates were initially equipped with Italian Sea Killer missiles and later upgraded with Chinese C-802 anti-ship missiles.
Submarine Losses Confirmed
Reports confirm the destruction of multiple submarines, including remaining Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines and Ghadir-class midget submarines. Iran operates three Kilo-class submarines — IRINS Taregh (S901), IRINS Nooh (S902), and IRINS Yunes (S903) — with varying operational statuses at the conflict’s outset. Multiple Ghadir-class vessels were also reportedly destroyed.
Cumulative Losses and U.S. Statements
In addition to individual vessel reports, multiple sources indicate that Iran has lost 13 warships and submarines since the conflict began, based on assessments shared by external observers tracking naval losses.
On March 1, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that nine Iranian naval ships had been destroyed and sunk as part of the combat operations. He described several of the ships as large and strategically important, and noted that Iran’s naval headquarters sustained extensive damage in a separate strike. CENTCOM also stated that two days prior to the operation, Iran had 11 ships operating in the Gulf of Oman, and that following the strikes, none remained in that area.
Strategic Impact
The reported losses include:
Alvand-class frigates
Moudge-class (Jamaran-class) frigates and corvettes
Fateh-class submarine
Kilo-class submarines
Ghadir-class submarines
IRINS Makran
IRIS Shahid Bagheri
The destruction of these assets represents a significant reduction in Iran’s surface combatant fleet, submarine capability, and forward logistical support infrastructure, particularly at Bandar Abbas and Chah Bahar naval facilities.
Iranian officials have not issued detailed public responses addressing the reported losses. Further confirmations and operational assessments are expected from official sources.
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