Iranian attack boats swarm U.S. vessels in Persian Gulf

Earlier this month, Iran's Revolutionary Guard harassed two US Coast Guard ships in the Persian Gulf for three hours. This was the first such incident in a year, coinciding with US-Iran nuclear agreement talks. Iranian fast attack boats and a larger ship approached the US vessels at close range, with the larger ship crossing in front of them within 70 yards. Experts suggest the Revolutionary Guard aims to provoke tensions to undermine Iranian diplomacy. Iran's foreign minister stated the Guard often undercuts government diplomacy and he has no influence over foreign policy.

What was the context of the incident involving the U.S. Coast Guard ships and Iran's Revolutionary Guard?

• It occurred during a period of renewed nuclear agreement talks.

• It was a routine patrol in the Persian Gulf.

• It was a joint exercise between the U.S. and Iran.

• It was a response to a previous attack by the U.S.

How many Iranian vessels were involved in the encounter with the U.S. Coast Guard ships?

• Two fast attack boats and one larger ship

• One fast attack boat and two larger ships

• Three fast attack boats and one larger ship

• Four fast attack boats

What was the behavior of the larger Iranian ship during the encounter?

• It maintained a safe distance from the U.S. ships.

• It crossed in front of the U.S. ships at a close range.

• It retreated after initial contact.

• It communicated with the U.S. ships to avoid conflict.

What do some experts believe about the Revolutionary Guard's actions?

• They are meant to support Iranian diplomacy.

• They aim to provoke tensions and undermine diplomacy.

• They are a response to U.S. military exercises.

• They are part of a peacekeeping mission.

What did Iran's foreign minister say about the Revolutionary Guard's influence?

• They have no impact on diplomatic efforts.

• They are supportive of the government's foreign policy.

• They have full control over foreign policy.

• They often undercut the government's diplomacy.