Tampa, Florida — March 1, 2026 : U.S. military forces struck an Iranian naval vessel identified as a Jamaran-class corvette during the opening phase of a coordinated military offensive designated “Operation Epic Fury,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced March 1, 2026. The vessel is sinking at a dock in the southeastern Iranian port city of Chah Bahar, located on the Gulf of Oman.
According to the CENTCOM statement posted on the social media platform X, the strike occurred on February 28, 2026, and aligns with stated operational objectives to systematically degrade elements of Iran’s naval capabilities as part of the broader campaign. The command reiterated a previously issued ultimatum from the U.S. President directed at members of Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and law enforcement personnel.
“As the President said, members of Iran’s armed forces, IRGC and police ‘must lay down your weapons.’ Abandon ship,” the CENTCOM statement read.
The announcement did not provide specific details on the methods employed in the strike, the number of U.S. forces involved, or the status of personnel aboard the Iranian vessel at the time of the attack.
Vessel Specifications and Classification
The Iranian naval vessel struck by U.S. forces is part of the Jamaran class, also referred to by Iranian sources as the Moudge class. While Tehran often designates these ships as destroyers, international naval observers typically classify them as light frigates or corvettes based on size and displacement.
Key technical characteristics of the Jamaran-class include:
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Displacement: Approximately 1,420 to 1,500 tons
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Length: 94 meters
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Primary Armament: Four Noor (C-802) surface-to-surface cruise missiles
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Air Defense: Four Fajr surface-to-air missiles and a 40mm Fateh-40 autocannon
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Main Gun: One 76mm Fajr-27 dual-purpose rapid-fire cannon
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Anti-Submarine Warfare: Triple 324mm light torpedo launchers
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Aviation Support: Flight deck capable of accommodating an AB 212 anti-submarine warfare helicopter with helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) support
The lead ship of the class entered service in 2010 and has been among the principal domestically produced surface combatants in the Iranian Navy.
Strategic Location: Chah Bahar Port
The strike took place at Chah Bahar, a deep-water port in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province on the Makran coast. Chah Bahar is Iran’s only oceanic port with direct access to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, enabling maritime traffic to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The port complex includes the Konarak Naval Base, which serves as a primary docking and operational facility for regular Iranian naval units.
Intelligence reports cited in operational briefings indicate that multiple Iranian naval assets had recently docked at Chah Bahar following completion of international maritime exercises immediately preceding the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
Operation Epic Fury: Broader Context
Operation Epic Fury, launched at 1:15 a.m. ET on February 28, 2026, is a coordinated military campaign conducted by U.S. forces in conjunction with Israeli military elements. The operation targets a series of Iranian military infrastructure nodes, including command and control centers, air defense systems, missile and drone production and launch facilities, and strategic naval assets.
The campaign follows a public directive from the U.S. administration aimed at neutralizing perceived imminent threats stemming from Iran’s nuclear program, long-range missile capabilities, proxy networks, and naval fleet operations.
The strike on the Jamaran-class corvette constitutes one of the early reported naval engagements in the operation. As of March 1, 2026, Iranian government officials have not issued a formal response or confirmation regarding the incident.
CENTCOM has indicated that further operational updates will be provided in due course but has not released additional information on subsequent engagements or broader impacts on naval activity in the region.
U.S. Central Command Update
In its March 1 update, CENTCOM stated that the Jamaran-class vessel was struck and is currently sinking at a pier in Chah Bahar. The statement forms part of regular operational communications detailing force actions and campaign progress for Operation Epic Fury.
No additional data on casualties, damage assessments beyond the vessel, or potential civilian impact within the port area were provided in the announcement.
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