Washington, Jan 14 (ANI): Iranian naval ships recently harassed two American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the US military has revealed.
According to videos released by the military, the incidents in one of the world's most important oil routes occurred last week and involved the USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock, and the Coast Guard Cutter Adak.
According to Fox News, Iranian speed boats are seen in one of the videos approaching the USS New Orleans within about 500 yards last Friday.
"The Iranian boats did not respond to whistle signal or voice queries from the New Orleans, disregarding standard maritime protocols," the US army's Central Command said while releasing the videos.
In the incident involving the Adak, communications were established with a larger Iranian ship operating in the area and thereafter the speed boats ceased their harassment.
According to a senior defense official, the Iranians "intended to be harassing", but it didn't go much beyond that.
Iran threatened last month to block the Strait of Hormuz if provoked, and it has warned US Navy ships to steer clear.
The rising tensions coincide with increased pressure on Iran over its nuclear program, which the West fears is merely a front for Iran's clandestine work on developing nuclear weapons. (ANI)
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