A U.S. defense official has disputed Iranian media reports of an aggressive encounter between a U.S. warship and an Iranian helicopter, describing the interaction as “safe and professional.”
The incident occurred Wednesday morning in international waters off the Gulf of Oman, involving the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald and an Iranian SH-3 “Sea King” helicopter.
According to the American official, the interaction did not affect the USS Fitzgerald’s mission. “Any reports claiming otherwise are falsehoods and attempts by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to spread misinformation,” the official said in a statement, adding that U.S. Central Command will continue to operate in accordance with international norms.
Conversely, Iranian state-controlled media claimed the U.S. warship made a provocative move toward Iranian-controlled waters. Their reports state the helicopter issued a stern warning for the destroyer to leave the area. The U.S. vessel then allegedly threatened the Iranian helicopter, prompting a second warning from the pilot.
The Iranian account further alleges that its army’s defense systems were activated, providing “full defense cover” for the helicopter. This action reportedly compelled the USS Fitzgerald to change its course and depart the area.
The conflicting reports emerge amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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