Iranian navy fires rockets near US carrier

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the Arabian Gulf in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. PHOTO BY MCS 3RD CLASS B. SIENS ON US NAVY FACEBOOK PAGE

WASHINGTON, United States — The Iranian navy test fired several rockets near three Western warships including the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier last week, a US military official said Tuesday.

Though the rockets were not fired toward any ship, their proximity to the warships — and several commercial vessels — sparked concern.

“We look at this firing so close to the ships as highly provocative,” said the military official, who was not immediately authorized to be named.

The official confirmed details of an NBC News report that said one rocket came within about 1,500 yards (meters) of the USS Truman as it transited the Strait of Hormuz.

A French frigate and the USS Bulkeley destroyer were also in the area.

The incident took place on December 26, shortly after the Iranian navy had announced via radio it was about to conduct a live-fire exercise and warned ships to steer clear.

The official said the unguided rockets were fired from an Iranian navy “fast inshore attack craft” that was in Omani waters.

The Western vessels did not need to take evasive action, the official said.