The Iranian Navy�s Fateh submarine has detected an American nuclear-powered submarine that was cruising in the Strait of Hormuz stealthily and forced it to surface and change its track in accordance with international regulations, the Navy�s commander said.

Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said on Thursday that the Iranian homegrown submarine has identified and warned away the USS Florida nuclear-powered submarine in the Strait of Hormuz.

The commander said the American submarine had submerged and was approaching the Strait of Hormuz in silence, but the Fateh submarine of the Iranian Navy detected it and performed maneuvers to force the US watercraft to surface and cruise the strait above the sea.

The American submarine was given the necessary warnings as it had closed in on the Iranian territorial waters �to some extent�, the commander added, noting that the USS Florida changed its track and continued to sail under escort.

With all its modern equipment, the American submarine had made every effort to pass through the Hormuz Strait stealthily, but was detected by the Fateh submarine which was on patrol, he added.

The Iranian Navy chief stressed that the American forces should explain why they have violated the navigation regulations in a major maritime route. �The Iranian Navy�s recent warning to the US is that they must observe all international rules from now on.�

By Tasnim