An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by US forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury, said US Central Command. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier, it said. 

In an other post on social media, it said three US service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. 

"Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," it said.

"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified."

It also rejected Iran’s IRGC claims about striking USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. "The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime," the Central Command said.