An Iranian naval helicopter confronted the USS Fitzgerald, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, near Iranian-claimed waters Wednesday morning, according to Iranian state media.
The encounter was the first direct military contact between Iran and the U.S. since last month’s 12-day war between Iran and Israel.
Iran’s state television reported that an Iranian army helicopter flew over the USS Fitzgerald around 10 a.m. after the vessel “attempted to approach the waters under the supervision” of Iran.
In response, a helicopter flew over the vessel and issued a warning to change course. The report claimed the destroyer threatened to engage the aircraft, but the Iranian pilot maintained position, prompting the ship to alter its course southward.
Video published by Iranian outlets showed a destroyer from an airborne view, with audio of the pilot instructing the ship to stay clear of Iranian waters.
IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News on Wednesday released footage it claimed showed an Iranian navy helicopter forcing the USS Fitzgerald, a US guided missile destroyer, to alter its course. The report said the warship had approached waters under Iran’s supervision in the Sea of Oman. pic.twitter.com/gcfMQ23K6f
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 23, 2025
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied that the USS Fitzgerald violated Iranian waters.
In a statement to USNI News, CENTCOM said the USS Fitzgerald and an Iranian helicopter had a “safe” interaction Wednesday morning near the Gulf of Oman.
“This interaction had no impact to USS Fitzgerald’s mission and any reports claiming otherwise are falsehoods and attempts by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to spread misinformation,” the statement reads. “U.S. Central Command will continue to operate safely and professionally in accordance with internationally recognized norms and customs.”
The incident follows U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, carried out in coordination with Israel during a 12-day conflict aimed at halting the advancement of Iran’s nuclear program.
