The Iranian naval forces harassed four US Navy ships sailing in the Persian Gulf in as many days, requiring US personnel to fire flares and warning shots to deter the aggressive Iranian vessel moves, US Department of Defense spokesman Peter Cook said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) � Earlier in the day it was reported that a US Navy ship in the Arabian Gulf fired three warning shots at an Iranian fast boat approaching it.

"The Iranians run the risk of escalating these encounters if they do not conduct themselves in a professional manner like all other navies," Cook stated. On Tuesday, two Iranian naval vessels approached within 300 yards of the US destroyer Nitze while transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In January, Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel intercepted 10 US Navy sailors who crossed into Iranian waters. The sailors were detained for a day before US Secretary of State John Kerry brokered their release.

By Sputnik News