Iran warns off USS Fitzgerald in Gulf, state media reports

Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that a US Navy destroyer was warned to change course after allegedly approaching waters under surveillance by Iranian forces, prompting the vessel to turn away. The United States has not yet issued any comment confirming or disputing the account.

According to Iranian state television, the incident involved the USS Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, which Iran claims made what it described as a “provocative move” near waters monitored by the Islamic Republic. A Navy helicopter was reportedly dispatched and issued a warning to the ship, which then altered its course.

“The US destroyer ‘Fitzgerald’ attempted to approach waters under Iran’s monitoring in a provocative move,” the report stated. “Following a rapid response by an Iranian Navy helicopter and a firm warning, the ship withdrew from the area.”

Iranian officials also claimed the US vessel threatened the Iranian aircraft during the encounter but ultimately retreated after repeated warnings. Iranian military channels identified the vessel as “DDG Fitzgerald” and said it was contacted directly, with Iranian forces asserting that the helicopter was under their protection and requesting the destroyer to change direction toward the south.

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, and US Central Command, which oversees operations in the region, have not issued any statements regarding the reported incident. Independent verification of the encounter has not been possible.

The alleged standoff comes amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington, though no recent US military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities have been publicly confirmed. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes, while Western powers remain concerned about the potential for weapons development.

If verified, the incident would mark a rare direct confrontation in the Gulf region, underscoring the volatility of naval operations in contested maritime zones.