On September 28, Rick Chernitzer, the spokesperson for the United States Central Command in the Navy, stated that the Iranian naval guard behaved unprofessionally towards an American helicopter flying over the Gulf. Chernitzer said an Iranian patrol fired laser beams at an American helicopter engaged in routine operations in international airspace above the Gulf of Oman. He further alleged that Iranian naval ships shot laser beams at the chopper many times while in flight, reports American “Alhurra” station.
The helicopter, which is an AH-1Z Viper, is linked to a unit that is now stationed on the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship, which was dispatched to the region as part of the ongoing attempts by the United States to prevent Tehran from seizing commercial tanker ships.
The spokesman emphasised that there were no injuries on their side due to the behaviour of the Iranians and that the helicopter was unharmed.
He added that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s risky, unprofessional, and reckless behaviour harms the United States and its partner states and must cease immediately. The spokesman said these are not the activities of a professional naval force.
The spokesperson emphasised that the United States Navy will maintain its vigilance and continue to operate, fly, and sail wherever the international law permits, all while working to improve marine safety in the surrounding areas.
