Iran’s navy warns foreign copter away from drill

AP: The Iranian navy says it warned off a foreign helicopter that had approached the site of a naval drill it is conducting in international waters.

The Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Iranian navy says it warned off a foreign helicopter that had approached the site of a naval drill it is conducting in international waters.

A spokesman for the drill, Rear Adm. Mahmoud Mousavi, tells state TV the helicopter left the area immediately after the warning Sunday. He gives no other details.

Iran’s navy began the 10-day drill on Saturday in waters beyond the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

The exercise could bring Iranian ships into proximity with U.S. Navy vessels that operate in the same area.

Iran regularly holds war games and has also been active in fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden.