Iran reports confrontation with US Navy destroyer in Gulf of Oman

An Iranian Navy helicopter confronted a US Navy destroyer near Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, July 23, according to Iranian state media.

This marks the first reported direct interaction between Iranian and American forces since the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which US B-52 bombers carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

As per the reports, Iranian forces dispatched the helicopter around 10 am local time to engage with a US destroyer identified as the USS Fitzgerald, which had approached the area.

The helicopter reportedly flew over the US vessel, issuing a warning to maintain distance. The exchange was described as tense, with the US warship allegedly warning that it would target the Iranian aircraft if it did not vacate the vicinity.

The US Navy has referred requests for comments to the US Central Command, which is expected to issue a response later on Wednesday or by early Thursday, July 24.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that following the US vessel’s threats, Iran’s air defence forces declared that the helicopter was under the full protection of the country’s integrated air defence system.