Iran’s state broadcaster, citing a source in the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, reported that the fire on the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford may have been deliberately started by American servicemen themselves. According to the source, some members of the crew allegedly did not want to continue participating in military operations against Iran.

The report claims that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which had moved from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman to reinforce US forces, was intentionally set on fire in the Red Sea by several American sailors. The source linked the alleged act to fears among the ship’s crew.

Earlier, US Naval Central Command reported that a fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea on March 12. Two sailors were injured in the incident and received medical assistance.

According to the US Navy, the fire started in the ship’s laundry area. The command stressed that the incident was not related to combat operations. The aircraft carrier did not suffer serious damage, its propulsion system is operating normally, and the vessel remains fully combat capable. The fire was quickly contained.