Iran is citing the incident as proof of its charge that the American naval presence in the Persian Gulf is a threat to security. The collision occurred not far from the Strait of Hormuz, but did not interrupt other ship movements. However, Brigadier General Masud Jazayeri (photo), the spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, said, “We caution again that if the world wants safety of shipping and trade through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, it should take action to pressure the United States to withdraw its military forcesÖ. The presence of US military forces in the region and the Persian Gulf disturbs security, without a doubt.” Neither the US Navy nor the Japanese ship owner has assessed blame. Photos released by the US Navy show a large dent on the starboard side of the USS Porter, suggesting that it was the tanker that hit the destroyer rather than vice versa.