IRGC navy forces US warship to back down in Hormuz Strait (footage)

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Aug 2023 14:49
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The IRGC Navy chief says this operation proves that the Iranian maritime forces are able to protect the Gulf waters and Strait of Hormuz from foreign enemies.

An Iranian speedboat approaches the US warship forcing it to back down in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf waters, on August 17, 2023 (IRGC via Tasnim)

Footage from a recent confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz between a US helicopter carrier and speedboats belonging to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy was released on Saturday during the 24th assembly of the IRGC commanders in Tehran.

The IRGC revealed images showcasing its naval unit monitoring an American war vessel on the strategic route.

IRGC Navy Chief Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said US helicopters were forced to land on the back deck shortly after taking off, following the arrival of military boats deployed by the Zolfaqar flotilla present near the scene.

Significantly, this was the first time US naval forces infiltrated the Gulf waters in around two years, Tangsiri pointed out, adding that the event took place on August 17.

The top navy general stressed that regional security can be maintained by neighboring countries without the presence of foreign forces.

Image released by the IRGC of the US helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz (via Tasnim)

He also confirmed that through its unwavering commitment to confront maritime threats and its success in monitoring the country's near waters, the IRGC Navy proved that it will stand strong in the war of enemies trying to destabilize the region.

The US is increasing its presence in the Middle East as tensions grow with Iran after several provocations by American vessels.

Last July, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit into US Central Command's area of responsibility.

Additional forces including Marines troops, F-35s, F-16s, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) will also be deployed to the Gulf, USCENTCOM announced then.

From Iran's perspective, this measure is a serious provocation that risks unknown repercussions.

A buildup of US forces across the Persian Gulf is fueling speculation that a possible US-Iran conflict may be nearing, Jon Gambrell stated in a report for the Associated Press on August 1.

In the last week of July, the US Department of Defense announced that it would send two landing ships, USS Bataan and USS Carter Hal to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to AP, the dispatch of aircraft carriers to the Gulf comes as the US "wants to focus on China and Russia."

The report, however, cites Iran's uranium enrichment as the main reason behind the US military buildup in the region.

Amid dying prospects for reviving the JCPOA deal, the US has in recent months accused Iran of allegedly harassing ships attempting to make their way through the Strait.