An Iranian-flagged dhow was fired upon by a Bahrain-based US patrol boat following a stand-off in international waters.

The confrontation took place on Tuesday, when an inflatable reconnaissance boat was dispatched from the US Coast Guard vessel Monomoy to investigate a dhow that had broken off contact, according to US military newspaper Stars and Stripes, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Upon approaching the Iranian vessel, the US crew noticed it was equipped with two .50-calibre machine guns '“ one of which was trained on the approaching inflatable, prompting the Americans to retreat.

A 'single shot' was then fired by the US crew, Fifth Fleet spokesman Commander Kevin Stephens told Stars and Stripes.

“This action by the dhow's crew demonstrated hostile intent, which resulted in defensive fire,” he said.

No injuries were reported, but Cmdr Stephens said it was 'unknown' whether the loose round hit the dhow or any of its occupants.

In a statement, the US Defence Department said: 'US military rules of engagement state that unit commanders always have the inherent right and obligation to exercise unit self-defence in response to a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent.' - TradeArabia News Service