Iran video disputes Gulf clash
Iranian version of Gulf confrontation broadcast on Press TV shows speedboats at great distance from US warships
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Thursday, 10, Jan 2008 11:45
Iran has broadcast its own version of the alleged confrontation between Revolutionary Guards and US warships in the Gulf last weekend.
In the five-minute 20-second video shown on Press TV there is no sign of American claims the Iranian speedboats 'aggressively' circled the USS Port Royal, USS Hopper and USS Ingraham.
A Pentagon video released yesterday, in which it is claimed Iranian boats threatened to "explode" the US ships, has been derided as fake by Tehran.
The version broadcast on English-language channel Press TV does not appear to show the entire 20-minute incident.
In the video an Iranian man, speaking in clear English, says: "Coalition warship number 73 this is an Iranian patrol."
Moments later he receives the reply from an American voice: "This is coalition warship number 73. I am operating in international waters."
In the Pentagon's video, a heavily-accented Iranian voice is heard saying: "I am coming to you. You will explode."
The row over the incident and the confrontation itself, which saw American sailors come within seconds of opening fire, has further increased tensions between Washington and Iran.
Speaking during a visit to the Middle East yesterday, George Bush reiterated his view that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime represents a threat to world peace.
The two countries are currently embroiled in a lengthy dispute over Iran's controversial nuclear programme.