U.S. military officials say Iran committed a “highly provocative” action by firing unguided rockets about 1,500 yards from the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier.
The Truman was crossing international waters in the Strait of Hormuz when Iranian Revolutionary Guards reportedly conducted a live-fire exercise nearby. A French frigate, the USS Bulkeley, and commercial traffic were also in the area at the time of the firing, Saturday.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kyle Raines says only 23 seconds warning was given before the rockets were fired, however the rockets were not fired at the Truman or other ships.
Still, U.S. officials are concerned.
“Firing weapons so close to passing coalition ships and commercial traffic within an internationally recognized maritime traffic lane is unsafe, unprofessional, and inconsistent with international maritime law,” Raines said.
Iran says the incident was a planned training exercise and nearby vessels were warned.
(H/T NBC News)