The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the USS Nimitz has fired warning shots at an armed Iranian patrol boat on Friday in the Persian Gulf in the second clash between the two sides over the past few days.

According to a statement by the IRGC Navy, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and another warship accompanying it approached the Resalat oil-gas block in the Persian Gulf on Friday, 4 pm, but were intercepted by missile boats of the IRGC’s Fourth Marine Corps District.

The US warships later warned the IRGC forces and flew a helicopter, which approached the Iranian boats, the statement added.

In a provocative and unprofessional action, the Americans even fired warning shots at the Zulfaqar navy boats; however, the IRGC forces pursued their mission in the region until the USS Nimitz and the other warship left the region in central Persian Gulf.

In a similar incident, the USS Thunderbolt fired warning shots at Iranian navy boats operating in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. IRGC Third Naval District describe the US navy’s action as “provocative move that was neutralized by IRGC forces”.

“A US military ship in the north of the Persian Gulf sailed toward an IRGC Navy’s patrol ship, which was patrolling in international waters, and fired two shots into the air for provocation and intimidation,” the IRGC said in a statement on Tuesday.