Publications based on Iran's Mehr News Agency state that a video shows a missile flying past several ships and subsequently hitting one. The aftermath reportedly shows an explosion and rising smoke. Some of these reports are illustrated with frames from an Iranian television channel's video, showing an object resembling a cruise missile or drone that passes four vessels and crashes into a fifth, causing an explosion on deck. Allegedly, the attacked ship was armed with 'Tomahawk' cruise missiles, and it has been claimed that after the strike, the US aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln' left its deployment area, retreating to the southeastern part of the Indian Ocean.

However, the United States has denied this information, stating that reports about the supposed destruction of a US military ship are false. Such reports are indicative of an information operation, where unverified or misleading information originates from state-run outlets and is disseminated, potentially aiming to sway public perception or incite a certain narrative regarding military engagements. This highlights the tense geopolitical atmosphere and the significance of accurate reporting amidst conflicting national interests.