US Navy fires warning shots in encounter with Iranian patrol boats

A US Navy patrol ship fired warning shots to ward off Iranian fast-attack boats in the Persian Gulf on Monday, marking the second run-in between the two countries’ naval forces this month.

Three boats belonging to the navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abruptly approached the USS Firebolt and Coast Guard USCGC Baranoff in the northern Persian Gulf and ignored both radio and loud-hailer warnings, the US’ Fifth Fleet said.

The IRGC vessels came within 70 yards of the US patrol ships, but backed off after crew members on the USS Firebolt fired warning shots.

The two US ships “were conducting routine maritime security operations in international waters during the time of the incident,” the Navy said, adding that such actions increase the risk of collision and unintended escalation.