Iran blocks US destroyer from sailing in Sea of Oman monitored waters

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
23 Jul 2025 16:14
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An Iranian Navy helicopter intercepts US destroyer DDG Fitzgerald in the Sea of Oman, warning it to stay clear of Tehran-monitored waters. Backed by Iranian air defense, the vessel was forced to retreat.

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A screengrab from the video released by the Iranian Army Navy taken from a helicopter, depicting the moment the warning was issued to the USS Fitzgerald, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, June 23, 2025 (Iranian Army Navy)

Iranian Army Navy successfully prevented a US destroyer from nearing waters monitored by Tehran in the Sea of Oman earlier in the day, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, an Iranian Navy helicopter flew over the US destroyer, issued a warning, and demanded that it change course and retreat. The US warship reportedly threatened to target the helicopter, but the Iranian pilot proceeded with the mission and reiterated the warning to keep a distance from monitored waters.

In light of continued threats issued by the destroyer, the Iranian Army's air defense system intervened, delivering a firm message that the naval helicopter was fully protected and that the US vessel, identified as USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), must alter its route southward.

The report noted that amid the Iranian flight crew's determination and interference of Tehran's air defenses, the destroyer was forced to comply and withdraw from Iranian-surveilled waters.

Iranian TV reported that an #Iranian Navy aircraft intercepted a US destroyer this morning as it attempted to approach waters under Iranian monitoring.

According to the report, an Iranian Navy helicopter hovered over the USS Fitzgerald and issued a warning, ordering it to… pic.twitter.com/drySSJxXnU
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 23, 2025

Iranian vigilance in light of threats

This incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the escalation in June, when the Israeli occupation launched a wide-scale illegal and unprovoked attack on Iran, with the backing of the United States.

The war on Iran lasted 12 days, with extensive strikes on military and civilian infrastructure. The United States militarily intervened and bombed three nuclear facilities across Iran.

Tehran has been on maximum alert, reiterating that the Iranian military is fully prepared to counter any plans by its adversaries, warning that "Israel" has not yet seen the full scope of Iran’s military capabilities.

Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, advisor to the Iranian leader for military affairs, pointed out that Iran has so far not activated its entire military apparatus in regional confrontations, stating: "The Zionists are well aware that we have yet to fully engage all our forces, such as the Naval Forces and the Quds Force, on the battlefield."