Terrifying Encounter: Iranian Vessels Risk Lives with Reckless Laser Attack on US Attack Helicopter in the Persian Gulf

Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf shone a laser at a US attack helicopter in international airspace on Wednesday. The US Navy has deemed this action as "unsafe and unprofessional." The laser was repeatedly directed at the Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter by ships belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, as reported by US Naval Forces Central Command.

The Navy reported that the crew aboard the helicopter emerged unharmed. The use of lasers can cause pilots of helicopters or aircraft to lose their bearings and sight, thereby increasing the danger of hazardous flying conditions.

Cmdr. Rick Chernitzer, the spokesperson, criticized the actions, stating, "This behavior by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy is neither professional nor appropriate. It endangers not only the lives of U.S. and partner nations but also displays a complete disregard for safety, and it must be stopped without delay."

The attack helicopter was deployed from the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship on its scheduled deployment to the Middle East. In mid-July, the United States initiated the deployment of Marines and additional forces to the Middle East due to the escalated aggression displayed by Iranian Navy and IRGC vessels in the Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters.