US Navy Warns Iran: "Defensive Measures If Warships Approach Within 100 Meters"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Navy has warned that it will take defensive measures against vessels approaching its warships operating in the Gulf region within 100 meters (m). This is interpreted as a measure considering the possibility of future provocations and collisions, following incidents where Iranian fast boats threatened U.S. warships.

According to the Associated Press, on the 19th (local time), the U.S. Navy Central Command stated in a press release that it will take lawful defensive actions against Middle Eastern vessels approaching its warships within 100 meters. Defensive measures generally include sounding horns and firing warning shots to keep approaching vessels at a distance. This is the first time the U.S. Navy has set a specific distance guideline for defensive actions.

The U.S. Navy Central Command explained that this measure is "designed to enhance safety, minimize ambiguity, and reduce the risk of misjudgment." It is interpreted as a response to the incident on the 15th of last month, when Iranian fast boats approached six U.S. warships operating in the Gulf region within 10 meters, conducting threatening navigation. Earlier, on the 22nd of last month, President Trump tweeted, "If Iranian armed fast boats bother us at sea, shoot them all and destroy them."

Since last month, there have been no additional collisions between the two countries' vessels, but there are forecasts that Iran may resume provocations against the U.S. Navy once the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and initial confusion subside.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.