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A helicopter of the Iranian military confronted a United States destroyer in the Gulf of Oman today, warning it to stay out of waters claimed by Tehran, Iranian state TV reported on July 23.
The television said that the helicopter flew over the USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer, at about 10 a.m. local time after the vessel “attempted to approach the waters under the supervision” of Iran.
The destroyer issued threats of its own, the broadcaster claims, but “the Iranian pilot… reiterated the warning to stay away from Iranian waters,” forcing the U.S. warship to “give in” and alter its course, according to the report.
Footage aired by the television shows USS Fitzgerald from the window of the helicopter as the pilot calls on the warship to “change course” and avoid approaching Iranian territorial waters.
The incident was the first traction between the Iranian and U.S. militaries since the latter joined an attack by Israel on the Islamic Republic last month and struck three key nuclear sites. The Iranian responded at the time by launching missiles at the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
The U.S. bolstered its forces in the Middle East, especially close to Iran’s border, amidst the war, which started on July 13. It is unclear if any of the reinforcements have been withdrawn since a ceasefire came into effect on July 24.
Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high. A report published by The New York Times on July 22 revealed that Israel might be behind a series of blasts that rocked the Islamic Republic. The series began after the end of the 12-day war.
Statements coming out from Israel also suggest that another attack on Iran could be behind the corner. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on July 22 that a renewed campaign against the Islamic Republic was a possibility.
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