Directing the Navy to fire upon Iranian vessels that 'harass' U.S. ships would be a significant change to commanders' rules of engagement, a former defense official said. Commanders can respond only to a direct threat, such as hostile fire
President Donald Trump abruptly tweeted early today that he has directed the Navy to fire upon Iranian "gunboats" that "harass" U.S. ships at sea in a new sign of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
"Today, instead of bullying others, the Americans should put all their efforts toward saving those members of their forces who are infected with coronavirus," Abolfazl Shekarchi said, according to the ISNA news agency."dangerous and harassing" approaches of U.S. ships in the international waters of the northern Persian Gulf, coming as close as 10 yards to a Coast Guard cutter.
"The U.S. Navy has clear rules of engagement issued by the chain of command and reviewed to ensure they are consistent with all applicable laws of the sea and armed conflict," said Michael Mulroy, who served as the Pentagon's Middle East policy chief until December. "Any Iranian actions that directly threatens our naval vessels and their crew will be dealt with based on those rules of engagement.
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