Iranian vessel points weapon at US helicopter
The move was unsafe because it could have led to an escalation in the situation, US defence officials say.
Tuesday 29 November 2016 07:59, UK
An Iranian vessel pointed its weapon at a US Navy helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend, it has been revealed.
The move was described as an "unsafe and unprofessional" action by two US defence officials who spoke to Reuters.
The officials, who were not identified, said the SH-60 helicopter had flown within half a mile of two Iranian vessels in international waters when one of the vessels pointed its weapon.
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.
It is the path for about 40% of the world's oil tanker traffic and is claimed not only by Iran but also by Oman and the United Arab Emirates.