Iranian Vessel Points Weapon at U.S. Helicopter

An Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz pointed its weapon at a U.S. Navy helicopter patroling the region, defense officials speaking on condition of anonymity said.

The move, called “an unsafe and unprofessional” act, took place over the weekend but was just made public, Reuters reported.

Specifically, the U.N. Navy was flying one of its SH-60 helicopters and it came within a half mile of two Iranian vessels traversing international waters. One of the vessels then pointed its weapon the Americans’ way.

And this isn’t the first time Iran’s shown such aggression.

Sky News reports:

“Those on the helicopter did not feel threatened, the officials said – but they added that the move could have prompted a retaliation.

“It follows a similar incident in July, when an Iranian frigate pointed a weapon at a US Navy helicopter and coalition auxiliary ship during a US training exercise in the Gulf of Aden.

“Iran has a history of such behaviour in Middle Eastern waters, including firing shots at a Singapore-flagged tanker in May.

“The strait, which is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world.”

The Strait of Hormuz is used by about 40 percent of the world’s oil tankers, and is claimed by Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.