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20.55
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Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelRegional
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Last Update2025-07-24
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (6)
Event Overview
An Iranian navy SH3 Sea King helicopter confronted the US Navy's USS Fitzgerald in the Gulf of Oman, warning it to change course. Iran claims the US entered its maritime jurisdiction, but the US denies any violation. Iranian state TV aired footage of the tense encounter, underscoring ongoing tensions over freedom of navigation in the region.
Event Timeline
Iranian Navy Helicopter Confronts US Destroyer USS Fitzgerald in Gulf of Oman
On a Wednesday around 10am local time (06:00 GMT), an Iranian navy SH3 Sea King helicopter flew in close proximity to the US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald as it approached Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian crew issued a radio warning in English ordering the warship to change course to avoid entering Iranian waters. Iranian state television described the encounter as a tense exchange and published video footage of the helicopter confronting the destroyer.
The USS Fitzgerald reportedly responded with threats to target the Iranian helicopter if it did not leave. After continued Iranian warnings, the USS Fitzgerald departed the area. The US Central Command disputed Iran's account, describing the incident as a safe and professional interaction that had no impact on the ship's mission. A US defense official speaking anonymously to Reuters emphasized the event took place entirely in international waters and called Iran's claims misinformation intended by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official stated that "This interaction had no impact to USS Fitzgerald's mission, and any reports claiming otherwise are falsehoods."
This incident marks the first reported direct encounter between Iranian and US forces since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Tensions remain high following recent US military actions against Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran Claims Warning to US Destroyer in Gulf of Oman; US Denies Waters Violation
On an unspecified recent date, Iran claimed that an Iranian navy helicopter confronted a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, warning the vessel to leave waters monitored by Tehran. Iranian state media reported this encounter as a response to the US warship entering what Iran considers its maritime jurisdiction. However, US defense officials denied that the US destroyer violated Iranian waters or that the engagement took place as described by Tehran. This incident highlights ongoing maritime tensions between Iran and the United States. No further details such as the names of the ships involved or exact timing of the event were provided in the reports.