US troops used ATACMS missile to sink Iranian ships, submarine: Caine

March 13, 2026 - 18:50

In a significant demonstration of force, United States troops stationed in the Middle East successfully targeted and sank several Iranian maritime assets using advanced ground-launched ballistic missiles. The operation, confirmed by U.S. Air Force General Dan Caine, marks a stark escalation in regional military posturing.

According to the statement, the strike utilized the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), a precision long-range weapon fired from land-based launchers. The targeted flotilla reportedly included multiple fast-attack craft and at least one submarine operated by Iranian forces. This action underscores the heightened state of alert and the increased capability of U.S. forces to respond to threats across all domains in the volatile region.

Military analysts suggest the deployment of such a high-value asset against naval targets is highly unusual and sends a powerful deterrent message. The incident highlights the ongoing, tense standoff between the United States and Iran, where confrontations have often played out in the strategic waterways of the Middle East. Officials emphasized the action was defensive in nature, undertaken to counter an immediate threat to American personnel and interests. The aftermath of this engagement is likely to influence strategic calculations for all actors operating in the area.