Iran Hit! The US Aircraft Carrier Flees
On March 5 local time, the spokesperson of the Iranian Armed Forces Central Command publicly stated: The US Lincoln aircraft carrier was hit by an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval drone in the Oman Sea, 340 kilometers away from the Iranian water border.
Currently, the Lincoln aircraft carrier and its destroyers have quickly withdrawn, and have now moved more than 1,000 kilometers away from the area.
How is the United States responding?
The US Central Command and the Pentagon responded: The carrier was not hit, and the Iranian missiles did not even approach the carrier.
Meanwhile, there are no reports of damage to the carrier or casualties.
What is the real situation?
First, Iran may have indeed launched a missile or drone, but it did not hit, because there is no evidence that it hit the carrier, which could be a psychological warfare tactic.
Second, Iran launched a drone or missile that indeed hit the US carrier and caused some damage, and the US military feared greater losses, so they chose to leave.
Why did the US military withdraw?
First, Trump did not expect to be completely involved in this prolonged war. The low-cost Iranian drones, costing only $50,000, have caused great trouble for the US air defense system. Every time there is a drone attack, the US has to launch expensive missiles to intercept, which is not cost-effective. This incident may have made the US anxious.
Second, if the US carrier Lincoln is completely destroyed by Iran, it would be very unfavorable for Trump personally and the entire United States. This is an unprecedented situation in modern military history, so they chose to withdraw and avoid the storm.
Third, Iran does not have many missiles with a range of over 2,000 kilometers. Currently, the total number of ballistic missiles is around 3,000. The US has realized that Iran has the capability to strike a carrier battle group and has chosen a tactical withdrawal.
Why is the US so troubled?
First, Iran not only has a large number of low-cost drones that can attack US targets, but also has many ballistic missiles, which makes the US very wary.
Second, Iran destroyed the US base's THAAD radar system, which costs nearly $500 million. In addition, radar facilities at bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait were attacked, and several satellite communication facilities in Kuwait were also attacked, which embarrassed the US.
Third, Iran is preparing to face a US ground invasion and has made comprehensive preparations, refusing to negotiate with the US and planning to engage in a protracted war.
Fourth, Iran is currently holding elections, and it is likely that the son of Khamenei will take power, maintaining an aggressive style. Although Trump claimed he needed to participate in selecting the next Iranian supreme leader, Iran denied it, emphasizing that this is entirely a matter of the Iranian people, and no one has the right to interfere.
Fifth, although the US emphasizes that its weapons inventory is sufficient, it is still making final preparations, trying to transfer US assets from overseas bases around the world.
In summary: Personally, I guess Iran did hit the US Lincoln aircraft carrier, but the damage was not significant. Otherwise, a larger-scale conflict would have erupted on site.
But this has also made the US realize that it must protect the carrier. Once it is sunk or heavily damaged, Trump's reputation will be ruined, and the US's global influence will decline, which is very unfavorable.
Therefore, the carrier still serves as a deterrent, but it will stay out of the range of Iranian drones and ballistic missiles.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858881119255552/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.