Iran Threatens USN Warships

Note****Even More Updates at the Bottom!

Here is the official US Navy report:

Following a routine transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Jan. 6,
three U.S. Navy ships operating in international waters in the Persian Gulf were
approached by five Iranian small boats that demonstrated irresponsible
confrontational behavior near the U.S. ships. U.S. Navy ships USS Port Royal (CG
73), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) were steaming in formation at
approximately 8 a.m. as they finished a routine Strait of Hormuz transit when
five boats, suspected to be from the Islamic Republic of Iran Revolutionary
Guard Navy (IRGCN), maneuvered aggressively in close proximity of the Hopper.
Following standard procedure, Hopper issued warnings, attempted to establish
communications with the small boats and conducted evasive maneuvering.

USS Hopper (DDG 70)

Sounds like a suicide run to me against so powerful a force, but Threats Watch as an alternative reason:

As with other Iranian threats and actions that have caused the
world oil markets to nervously drive up the price of crude, this weekend’s
action also comes as oil prices fell from a November 2007 average of $92.67 to
just $88.21 for December.

All about oil, and of course, there is the impending Bush trip to the region. Heard on the radio that the US is seeking an "explanation" for the incursion. What other reasoning is there other than the Iranians ARE EVIL!!!!

Update-Galrahn at Information Dissemination has more info, including this comment "I have a question, why wouldn't the warships not already be at stations while in transit, in narrow passages that should be doctrine. This might sound harsh, but someone over in the 5th fleet is too relaxed if that policy has changed."

Also-Updates from the following blogs:

The Worldwide Standard

Ares

Murdoc

The Tank

Plus-Further details from the USN.