(Click To Enlarge)Strait Of Hormuz (Map from Defense Update)
U.S. Military: Tense Encounters With Iran Occur Almost
Daily in Strait of Hormuz -- FOX News
Daily in Strait of Hormuz -- FOX News
WASHINGTON — EXCLUSIVE: Amid false allegations from Iranian media that a U.S. plane was forced down after accidentally entering Iranian airspace, FOX News learned Tuesday about another tense incident that occurred last month near the Strait of Hormuz.
On Sept. 6, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened to shoot down U.S. helicopters flying cover aboard the USS Peliliu patrolling in the area, according to a classified military transcript of the radio exchange.
According to the transcript, the Peleliu, while en route to the Strait from the Gulf of Oman — was engaged in flight operations using CH-46 helicopters when they encountered an Iranian P3 surveillance plane overhead. The U.S. Navy, which considered the plane as outdated and a non-threatening presence, had a friendly exchange with the Iranians.
The Peleliu established bridge-to-bridge contact with the P3, saying:
USS Peleliu: "Unknown aircraft at 2000ft, this is a coalition warship operation in international waters, we request you remain clear."
Iranian surveillance plane: "Good morning coalition warship, how do you feel?"
But a few hours later, while entering the Strait, the situation gets tense after an Iranian patrol boat demanded the warship's identification number, despite being in international waters.
Read more ....
My Comment: The last time a shooting war broke out between Iran and the U.S. Navy was in the ninety-eighties. The Iranians appear to be spoiling for a fight.
My prediction .... if the price of oil goes below 70$ a barrel, expect a confrontation to occur in the Straits Of Hormuz between these two navies.
