Iran/US boat showdown ..caused by Filipino Monkey?

[CptStern]

A heckling radio ham known as the Filipino Monkey, who has spent years pestering ships in the Persian Gulf, is being blamed today for sparking a major diplomatic row after American warships almost attacked Iranian patrol boats.

The US navy came within seconds of firing at the Iranian speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz on January 6 after hearing threats that the boats were attacking and were about to explode.

Senior navy officials have admitted that the source of the threats, picked up in international waters, was a mystery.

Last week, the Iranians and the US issued different video versions of what took place.

On the Pentagon's version, a strange voice, in English, can be heard saying "I am coming to you. You will explode in a few minutes." The voice sounds different from one heard earlier in the recording and there is no background noise that would usually be picked up from a speedboat radio.

In the Iranian version, there is no hint of aggressive behaviour.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,2240533,00.html


and to think some of you were clamouring for the US to blow them out of the water

The US navy said its gunners came within seconds of firing on the speedboats.

an international incident sparked by a prankster ..glad to see people get their facts straight before blowing the shit out each other

 

[nurizeko]

Yes, quite compelling, this to me at least, seems a very viable alternate, though not compelling enough to entirely discredit the possible responsibility of the Iranians.


Who wanted America to blow them out the water?. The Americans were preparing to open fire, and most folk agree that when under the risk of potential attack it is natural procedure to I dunno, prepare to defend themselves?.

 

[kirovman]

I would have said that Saddam was doing the broadcasting over the years.

Although, apparently he's dead now.

 

[VictimOfScience]

Man, what a bunch of d1cks. All around. Wargames was cool during the Cold War but apparently a very different story during the War on Terror. :hmph: