An Iranian navy helicopter confronted a U.S. Navy destroyer, identified as the USS Fitzgerald, in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the region, according to Iranian state television.

The encounter, the first reported direct clash between Iranian and U.S. forces since the recent 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, occurred around 10 a.m. local time. Iranian state TV claimed the helicopter flew directly over the USS Fitzgerald, issuing a stern warning to steer clear of Iranian territorial waters. 

U.S. Central Command refuted Iran's account, describing the interaction as "safe and professional" with no impact on the USS Fitzgerald’s mission. It dismissed Iran's claims as "falsehoods" and accused Tehran of spreading misinformation.

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Iranian state TV further reported that its air defense forces declared the helicopter was fully protected by Iran's integrated air defense system. The USS Fitzgerald eventually "withdrew southward," according to the report.

The exact proximity of the U.S. warship to Iranian territorial waters remains unclear, heightening speculation about the incident's implications.

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