Illustrative: An Iranian navy vessel launches a missile during a drill in the Sea of Oman, in January 2012. (AP/ISNA, Amir Kholousi)
WASHINGTON — The Iranian navy test fired several rockets near three Western warships including the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier last week, a US military official said Tuesday.
Though the rockets were not fired toward any ship, their proximity to the warships — and several commercial vessels — sparked concern.
“We look at this firing so close to the ships as highly provocative,” said the military official, who was not immediately authorized to be named.
The official confirmed details of an NBC News report that said one rocket was fired from within about 1,500 yards of the USS Truman as it transited the Strait of Hormuz.
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits the Mediterranean Sea August 5, 2013. (DoD/Lt. Haraz N. Ghanbari, US Navy)
A French frigate and the USS Bulkeley destroyer were also in the area.
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The area is considered one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, and has been the source of tensions between Western powers and Iran in the past over threats from Tehran to close the strait.
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The incident took place on December 26, shortly after the Iranian navy had announced via radio it was about to conduct a live-fire exercise and warned ships to steer clear.
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The official said the unguided rockets were fired from an Iranian navy “fast inshore attack craft” that was in Omani waters.
The Western vessels did not need to take evasive action, the official said.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report
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