A Pentagon official familiar with naval operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz has revealed that Iranian warships and aircraft have been approaching U.S. naval forces in the area. According to the official, who has decided to remain anonymous, the interactions have been happening almost on a "daily basis," and that most confrontations between the two sides are conducted in a "safe and professional manner," reports The Washington Free Beacon.
The announcement from the Pentagon official comes after footage captured by a drone of the Iranian military, which featured shots of a reconnaissance mission over a U.S. aircraft carrier, was released. The Iranian military has stated that the images were filmed at the end of August.
Speaking about the Iranian drone's footage, the Pentagon official has stated that the U.S. military is fully aware of the surveillance missions undertaken by Iran, as well as the fact that the missions are conducted on a routine basis, according to The Business Insider.
"U.S. naval forces are routinely approached by Iranian warships and aircraft as they operate in the region, with the majority of all interaction by the Iranians conducted in a safe and professional manner," the official said. "The Iranians' primary purpose for approaching U.S. forces is for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) so these interactions are almost always characterized by the presence of Iranian photographers capturing photos and video."
The official however, notes that the U.S. Navy also records these encounters with the Iranian military.
"During these interactions we, too, capture imagery for the record. Safe, professional and routine interactions are of no concern, and we are fully confident in the ability of U.S. naval forces to defend themselves," the official said.
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