The US Navy has claimed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels came within 50 yards of its patrol ships in the Arabian Gulf.

This incident happened during the US Navy’s routine transit in the Strait of Hormuz, in Arabian Gulf on 20 June.

The US Navy’s expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF 2) and patrol coastal ship USS Sirocco (PC 6) were carrying out routine transit in the international waters.

According to the US Navy, three of IRGCN fast inshore attack craft approached the US Navy’s two vessels in “an unsafe and unprofessional manner” during the routine transit.

In a press statement, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) 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.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The entire interaction lasted for around an hour and ended after the Iranian vessels departed from the area.

Later, both the US Navy vessels continued to conduct the transit without any further incident.

The US Navy has also claimed that the latest IRGCN’s actions have violated the internationally set standards of safe and professional maritime behaviour, resulting in increased risk of miscalculation and collision.