article_snippet.sent: Washington (CNN)An Iranian military observation aircraft flew within 50 yards of an armed U.S. Navy helicopter over the Persian Gulf this month, sparking concern that top Iranian commanders might not be in full control of local forces, CNN has learned.
article_snippet.sent: At the same time, Iran has been active in supporting proxies in several hotspots in the Persian Gulf and neighboring regions.
article_snippet.sent: The Navy MH-60R armed helicopter was flying from the deck of the USS Carl Vinson on a routine patrol in international airspace, one U.S. military official said.
article_snippet.sent: An unarmed Iranian observation Y-12 aircraft approached.
article_snippet.sent: An unarmed Iranian observation Y-12 aircraft made two passes at The Navy MH-60R armed helicopter, coming within 50 yards, before The Navy MH-60R armed helicopter moved off, according to one U.S. military official.
article_snippet.sent: one U.S. military official said The Navy MH-60R armed helicopter deliberately broke off and flew away in a 'predictable' manner so the Iranians could not misinterpret any U.S. intentions.
article_snippet.sent: The Navy MH-60R armed helicopter was in radio contact with the ship during the encounter, but there was no contact between An unarmed Iranian observation Y-12 aircraft and no shots were fired.
article_snippet.sent: This type of Iranian observation aircraft generally operates over the Gulf several times a month.
article_snippet.sent: the incident comes as the Navy patrols the Gulf of Aden to watch for Iranian ships U.S. U.S. believes are trying to bring weapons to resupply the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
highlights_snippet.sent: Iranian plane came within 50 yards of U.S. Navy Sea Hawk copter .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Navy copter was on patrol in international airspace .
  