U.S. 'Not Concerned' Over Reports Of Iranian Ships

The Pentagon says it is "not concerned" about an Iranian announcement that it will send naval vessels toward U.S. waters.

On February 8, an Iranian naval officer was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying that the vessels were "approaching the United States' maritime borders."

Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said on February 10 that the Pentagon had no information any Iranian military ships were approaching the Atlantic Ocean.

He said if Iranian ships do head into the Atlantic, "they should not be surprised to find many other navies also sailing" there.

Fars said the plan was part of "Iran's response to Washington's beefed up naval presence in the Persian Gulf."

The United States and its allies regularly stage naval exercises in the Gulf, saying they want to ensure freedom of navigation in the waterway, which is crucial for the shipping of oil.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP