U.S.: 'No problems' with Iran in strait

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NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, patrolling the Strait of Hormuz near the Persian Gulf, hasn't been threatened by Iran, a commander said.

The U.S. military has deployed assets to the Persian Gulf region in an effort to provide security to key shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

A commander on board the USS Eisenhower said the carrier has made three passes through the key strait since arriving in July. U.S. Capt. Marcus Hitchcock, the ship's commander, was quoted by Bloomberg News saying there have been "no problems" with the Iranians.

"We have not threatened. They have not threatened," he said.

Iranian navy Rear Adm. Ali Fadavi said this month that the lives of U.S. troops are at risk should the military act in the region.

"Should a (single) bullet fly in the Persian Gulf, it will definitely be to the detriment of the United States and its allies," he was quoted by Iran's state-funded broadcaster Press TV as saying.

Hitchcock described the Iranian navy as "professional," noting he's dealt with the rival military power "almost on a daily basis."

Iran this week was accused by the United States of ferrying weapons to the Syrian military.