Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels approached US Navy vessels “in an unsafe and unprofessional manner” as they transited the Strait of Hormuz, on June 20, the US Navy has revealed.
A total of three IRGC fast inshore attack craft approached patrol coastal ship USS Sirocco (PC 6) and expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF 2) as they were conducting a routine transit in international waters.
The US Navy said one of the IRGCN vessels approached Sirocco head-on at a dangerously high speed and only altered course after the US patrol coastal ship issued audible warning signals to avoid collision.
The Iranian vessel also came within 50 yards of the US Navy ship during the interaction, and Sirocco responded by deploying a warning flare.
The full interaction among all vessels lasted one hour and ended when the IRGCN craft departed the area.
“The IRGCN’s actions did not meet international standards of professional or safe maritime behavior, increasing the risk of miscalculation and collision,” the US Navy said.
This is not the first time Iranian forces are harassing US Navy ships operating in or transiting the region. Back in April last year, patrol coastal ship USS Firebolt (PC 10) was even forced to fire warning shots at IRGC speed boats in the Persian Gulf.
