Iranian Vessels Conduct Unsafe, Unprofessional Actions Toward U.S. Naval Forces, Navy Says

MANAMA, Bahrain —Three vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner as U.S. Navy ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs said June 21. 
 
Patrol coastal ship USS Sirocco (PC 6) and expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF 2) were conducting a routine transit in international waters when three Iranian fast inshore attack craft approached. 
 
One of the vessels approached Sirocco head-on at a dangerously high speed and only altered course after the U.S. patrol coastal ship issued audible warning signals to avoid collision. The Iranian vessel also came within 50 yards of the U.S. 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 Iranian craft departed the area. U.S. Navy ships continued their transit without further incident. 
 
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy’s actions did not meet international standards of professional or safe maritime behavior, increasing the risk of miscalculation and collision. U.S. naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting regional maritime security.