Iranian, US Maritime Clashes Could Unnecessarily Increase Tensions - White House

Actions taken by Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels during a confrontation with a US warship in the Strait of Hormuz this week had the potential to provoke conflict, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a briefing on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Tuesday, two Iranian naval vessels approached within 300 yards of the US destroyer Nitze while transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

"It is not clear what the intentions of the Iranian ships were, but the behavior is not acceptable," Earnest told reporters. "These types of actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions."

A CENTCOM spokesperson told Sputnik on Wednesday that the interaction was unsafe and unprofessional as the Iranian vessels ignored multiple warnings by the Nitze’s whistle and flares.

The US Navy said the Iranian ships created a dangerous and harassing situation for the US destroyer.

In January, Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel intercepted 10 US Navy sailors who crossed into Iranian waters. The sailors were detained for a day before US Secretary of State John Kerry brokered their release.