Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 April 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 May 2020. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 May 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iran: USA

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the maritime incident involving Iranian vessels and United States naval forces on 15 April in the Arabian Gulf; and what discussions they have had with the governments of Iran and the United States, in particular with regard to each of those governments’ differing versions of events.

Answer: We are aware of an interaction between US and Iranian vessels in the international waters of the northern Gulf on 15 April. Reports of IRGC harassment are concerning. It is important that all mariners uphold the highest standards of conduct at sea, and that states are able to safely undertake legitimate naval activity in International Waters. We are regularly in contact with US and some Iranian counterparts to discuss bilateral issues and to urge de-escalation on all sides.

Secondary information