US says Iran launched ‘provocative’ rocket test near ships

“The publication of such false news under the present circumstances is akin to psychological warfare”, Mr. Sharif added.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched denials Thursday that it fired test rockets near a USA aircraft carrier and protested the upcoming sanctions, which the us recently announced as a response to the apparent test-firing.

A team of United Nations sanctions monitors said in a confidential report seen by Reuters on December 15 that Iran tested a rocket on October 10 capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, which Iran maintains was a convention missile.

The vital strait is crucial for ships taking part in the war against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

Though the rockets were not fired toward any warship, their proximity to them and several commercial ships – reportedly around 1,500 yards (metres) – was “highly provocative”, said the official, who was not authorised to be named. These provocations, with the country probably weeks away from receiving billions in sanctions relief under the nuclear deal, are fueling renewed considerations in Washington about whether or not Iran will probably be held to account for violations.

A Pentagon official told CNN on Wednesday that a U.S. aircraft carrier came within about 1,500 yards of an Iranian rocket while operating in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the usa was preparing fresh sanctions against companies and individuals in Iran, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates over alleged links to the Islamic republic’s ballistic missile program. “It is also notable that the Iranian craft or small boats encroached on the internationally recognized maritime traffic lanes and Omani territorial waters”, Hawkins explained.

Sharif said the security of the strategic Persian Gulf remains among Iran’s top priorities.

“We need to ensure that USA forces are postured to respond to Iranian aggression and finally adopt a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s malign influence in the Middle East”.

Iran’s “actions were highly provocative”, he said. The development seems to indicate that the historic arrangement between the USA and Iran appears to be on the right track. Kyle Raines, a US Central Command spokesman.

While heralded by moderates, such as Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, hardliners in Tehran have denounced the agreement as being against national interests.