Three Russian Bombers, 40 Iranian Missiles, and One U.S. Carrier: The Four Hours That Nearly Sparked a Gulf War.lh

Electronic warfare followed. EA-18G Growler aircraft launched, saturating Iranian radar frequencies with jamming interference. The electromagnetic spectrum became an invisible battlefield. False targets appeared. Tracking accuracy degraded. The message was clear: any missile fired would face a hostile electronic environment.

Above, U.S. F/A-18F Super Hornets intercepted the Russian formation. The encounter was tense but professional. American pilots maintained distance, documented every maneuver, and awaited orders. The Tu-160s pressed within 140 nautical miles—well inside cruise missile launch range—before leveling off.

At 15:23, the crisis peaked.

Thirty-two Iranian fast attack craft crossed into what the U.S. Navy considered its outer defensive perimeter. Radio warnings went unanswered. Fire-control radars locked onto targets. Weapon systems stood ready.