Iran has reported that it issued a warning to a United States Navy destroyer, ordering it to alter its course as it approached Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman. However, the U.S. has countered, claiming the confrontation was “professional” and had “no impact” on its naval mission. Iranian state media released video and images on Wednesday of the incident—the first reported direct encounter between Iranian and U.S. forces since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. The footage was captured from a helicopter dispatched to confront the USS Fitzgerald guided-missile destroyer.
“U.S. destroyer ‘Fitzgerald’ attempted to approach waters under Iran’s monitoring, in a provocative move,” Iranian state television asserted. Video footage of the reported encounter shows a helicopter flying in close proximity to the warship. An Iranian crew member can be heard issuing what appeared to be a radio warning in English to the warship, instructing it to change course as it was nearing Iran’s territorial waters at approximately 10 am local time (06:00 GMT). Iranian state media described the exchange as tense.
The U.S. destroyer reportedly responded by threatening to target the Iranian aircraft if it did not depart. The vessel eventually left the area after continued warnings from the Iranian military.
US Central Command’s Perspective
U.S. Central Command disputed Iran’s account of tension, characterizing the incident as a “safe and professional interaction.” When questioned about the encounter, a U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously to the Reuters news agency, also downplayed its severity. “This interaction had no impact to USS Fitzgerald’s mission, and any reports claiming otherwise are falsehoods and attempts by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to spread misinformation,” the official stated. The official, who affirmed that the interaction took place entirely in international waters, identified the Iranian aircraft as an SH-3 “Sea King” helicopter.
The U.S. military became involved in Israel’s conflict with Iran last month when it bombed Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed these strikes as a “spectacular” success that “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. However, U.S. media reports, citing intelligence assessments, suggest the campaign was only partially successful, with only one of the three Iranian nuclear sites—the Fordow facility—reportedly destroyed.
In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s commitment to continuing its nuclear program for peaceful purposes. He also stated that his country is prepared for any future conflict Israel might wage against it, adding that he was not optimistic about the current ceasefire between the two nations.
