TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Lieutenant commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy played down reports that the IRGC boats in the Strait of Hormuz have maneuvered dangerously close to a US military vessel, saying the patrol boats are always in the region as part of routine operations.

Following reports by an American reporter aboard the USS New Orleans military vessel claiming that 5 IRGC boats have maneuvered dangerously close to the amphibious ship in the Strait of Hormuz, IRGC Navy Lieutenant Commander General Alireza Tangsiri said on Tuesday that maintaining a watch over foreign vessels is not unusual and that the IRGC forces in the country�s southern waters are constantly engaged in such round-the-clock operations.

The commander underlined that the IRGC naval forces are vigilantly monitoring the sea traffic involving any foreign vessel, particularly those of the ultra-regional forces and the US, whose existence in the region is a potential threat and spells trouble.

The general also stressed that Americans have been complying the IRGC warnings in the southern waters for years, saying the hue and cry in foreign media outlets was a result of misunderstanding the issue.

According to a report by Gordon Lubold, five IRGC boats including four small patrol craft and a larger fast-attack craft, maneuvered �dangerously� close to the US military vessel.

General Joe Votel, head of US Central Command, was also on board the USS New Orleans during the encounter.

By Tasnim News Agency