Seven Iranian fast boats have driven off a United States (US) Navy patrol ship out of the Persian Gulf on Sunday, in what has been the latest in a series of sea harassments that threatens to escalate tensions between the two countries.
Fast in-shore attack crafts (FIAC) belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) confronted the USS Firebolt on September 4, with the intent to alter its course on international waters.
Three FIACs ran through the ship's course for eight minutes in order to cause alterations. One FIAC made it a point to stop in front of the ship, forcing it to change directions to prevent disastrous damage caused by a potential collision.
Radio communication coming out of the USS Firebolt didn't elicit any response coming from the Iranian FIACs. With threats of gunfire looming that time, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) deemed the "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter highly risky.
"The Iranian's unsafe maneuvers near a United States ship operating in accordance with international law while transiting in international waters created a dangerous, harassing situation that could have led to further escalation...," said an unnamed official to USNI News.
The latest Gulf incident follows through a series of harassments against US ships in the Persian Gulf. The likes of USS Nitze, and the USS Tempest, USS Squall, and USS Stout reported to have been attacked by the Iranian high-speed boats for the past few days.
US 5th Fleet spokesperson Bill Urban spoke of the US Navy's high displeasure over the incidents: "The Iranian high rate of speed approaches towards three Unites States ships operating in international waters...created a dangerous, harassing situation that could have led to further escalation."
"This situation presented a drastically increased risk of collision, and the Iranian vessel refused to safely maneuver in accordance with internationally recognized maritime rules of the road, despite several request and warnings via radio, and visual and audible warnings from both U.S. ships," added Urban.
