Iran launches 'test missiles' near US warships

USS Harry S. Truman transits the Strait of Hormuz. (US Navy)

US Navy officials are fuming after Iranian Revolutionary Guard naval vessels fired “unguided rockets” with only 23 minutes notice last week.

The Iranian vessels were as close as 1,500 yards from the USS Harry S Truman when they began firing "previously unannounced live-fire exercise," The Hill reports.

USS Bulkeley participates in a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS John Lenthall US Navy/Associated Press (US Navy)

Commander Kyle Raines, a US Central Command spokesman, said on Tuesday night that the practice was “highly provocative” and essentially unlawful.

“Firing weapons so close to passing coalition ships and commercial traffic within an internationally recognized maritime traffic lane is unsafe, unprofessional and inconsistent with international maritime law,” Commander Raines said in a statement.

The US has previously criticised missile tests conducted by Iran vessels in the months following the landmark nuclear deal reached between the two nations.