U.S. Coast Guard fired warning shots in the Persian Gulf

US Coast Guard USS Firebolt launched warning shots after three naval ships of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached him in the Persian Gulf," the United States Army reported.

"The U.S. crew issued many warnings via radio and handsfree devices, but Iranian ships continued short-range maneuvers" is the U.S. military statement. "USS Firebolt's crew then fired warning shots, and then the Corps ships were at a safe distance," added the statement.

According to Reuters The U.S. Army staff stated that it was too early to determine the exact motivation of the Iranian forces and added that in the past such incidents were carried out at the initiative of local commanders and were not led by the higher Iranian leaders.

"The activities we usually observe from Iran's naval side are not necessarily directed by Iran's highest leader, or rather by irresponsible local commanders at the scene," said Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, Chief of Central Command of the United States.

"The United States is not an aggressor...However, our forces are trained to conduct effective defense measures when necessary," stressed the U.S. Army's Tuesday statement.

Source: PAP