US Navy says it foiled Iranian attempt to capture sea drone in Persian Gulf
- US Navy said sea drone was released after it deployed patrol boat and helicopter to location
- While interception ended without incident, tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran
The US Navy said it thwarted an attempt by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to capture an unmanned American vessel in the oil-rich Persian Gulf, as tensions persist despite efforts by the countries to resolve their deadlock over restoring the 2015 nuclear deal.
After an IRGCN ship was spotted towing the Saildrone Explorer late on Monday, a nearby US patrol boat responded by launching a combat helicopter, according to a statement by the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.
The Iranian vessel then disconnected its tow line from the sea drone and left the area four hours later without further incident, according to the US account.
“IRGCN’s actions were flagrant, unwarranted and inconsistent with the behaviour of a professional maritime force,” said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, in a statement.
“US naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting rules-based international order throughout the region,” he added.
The seven-metre (23-foot) drone ship is commercially available and equipped with sensors, radars and cameras for navigation and data collection. The ship doesn’t store sensitive or classified information, the US Navy said.