IRGC Missile Launch Near US Aircraft Carrier

According to reports, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces conducted a "test missile launch" near a US aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. Although the missiles were not fired at the American ship or any other vessel, a US official described the action as "very provocative." NBC News quoted an unnamed US military official stating that the "test missile launch by the IRGC" occurred 1500 yards (approximately 1400 meters) from the USS Truman aircraft carrier last week. Reuters, on January 8, quoted Kyle Raines, a spokesperson for the US Central Command, saying that "several IRGC ships" conducted test missile launches "in proximity" to the American warship. This action occurred "only after a 23-minute initial warning." The US Central Command is responsible for monitoring and operational oversight in West Asia, Central Asia, and East Africa. Raines stated that "this very provocative, unsafe, and unprofessional action calls into question Iran's commitment to maintaining security in this vital maritime route for the world." He noted that while most interactions between Iranian forces and American Marines are professional, secure, and routine, the recent incident was not. AFP also reported that US officials confirmed the incident from last week. According to NBC, in addition to the USS Harry Truman, an American destroyer and a French frigate were also in the area. This incident occurred on December 26, and AFP noted that it was shortly before the IRGC issued a radio warning. The USS Truman, along with two other coalition warships led by the United States against the group known as the "Islamic State," was proceeding through the Strait of Hormuz on its usual route to the Persian Gulf when the incident occurred. Iranian officials have yet to respond to the recent incident and the statements from US officials. Previously, during the Iran-Iraq War, there were confrontations between the naval forces of the US and Iran. The US has stated that despite the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, it continues its efforts to establish a missile defense shield in the Gulf region.