Reuters is reporting that a fast attack craft from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forced a U.S. Navy patrol ship to change course in the Persian Gulf over the weekend.
The vessel came within 100 yards of the front of the 174-foot USS Firebolt, forcing the course change. There were three radio attempts by the U.S. with no response from the Iranian vessel. Anonymous Navy officials are calling the maneuver "unsafe and unprofessional due to lack of communications and the close-range harassing." The ship was clearly armed and the guns manned as the Obama administration's nuclear partner once again taunted the United States.
Late last month, as TruthRevolt reported, four IRGC boats harassed the USS Nitze, a guided-missile destroyer, from within 300 yards. The Navy said that distance was "too close for comfort" and fired warning flares towards the ships to push them back. The day after this soft attack, Iran did it again, coming within 200 yards of the USS Squall which fired three warning shots to shoo them away. This latest intimidation proves Iran is more resolved in sending a strong warning by coming within 100 yards of our carriers.
These events were determined to have violated international maritime laws, yet, that only seems to matter to the U.S. A stronger message from our military is needed, especially looking back over the last year.
From CNN:
In December, as part of a life-fire exercise, Iran's military fired a rocket near the American aircraft carrier, the USS Harry Truman.
And in January, the IRGC captured 10 American sailors when their two Riverine Command Boats accidentally strayed into waters near Iran-controlled Farsi Island, in the Persian Gulf. The sailors were released soon after. [TR adds: After they were completely humiliated in front of the entire world.]
Later that month, Iran reportedly flew an unarmed drone over a US warship, a move that a US navy official called "abnormal and unprofessional."
In July, Iranian ships sailed close to USS New Orleans while Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of Central Command, was aboard.
All this from the government President Obama assures will abide by the rules of the nuclear deal. Forgive us if we're a little skeptical.
*Note: The video above is from the Nitze incident.
