Iran drone comes within 100 feet of jet

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The U.S. denounced a move by an Iranian drone that flew within 100 feet (30 meters) of a U.S. Navy F-18 fighter jet that was preparing to land Tuesday on an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Gulf.

"Despite repeated radio calls to stay clear of active fixed-wing flight operations in vicinity of USS Nimitz, the QOM-1 executed unsafe and unprofessional altitude changes in the close vicinity of an F/A-18E in a holding pattern preparing to land on the aircraft carrier," Central Command said in a statement.

The jet had to maneuver to avoid colliding with the drone, the command added, saying the Iranian aircraft’s actions were "not in keeping with international maritime customs and laws".

The U.S. and Iran have had multiple close encounters in the Arabian Gulf, also known as the Persian Gulf.

Central Command said the lastest near collision was the 13th unsafe or unprofessional incident with Iranian maritime forces in 2017.

In July, a U.S. Navy ship fired warning shots at an Iranian vessel after U.S. officials claimed it closed to within 150 yards (450 feet).