The U.S. military stated that “a U.S. F-15 on a routine air mission in the vicinity of CJTF-OIR Al-Tanf garrison in Syria conducted a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner at a safe distance of approximately 1,000m... The visual inspection occurred to ensure the safety of coalition personnel at Al-Tanf garrison”. “Once the F-15 pilot identified the aircraft as a Mahan Air passenger plan, the F-15 safely opened distance from the aircraft”, a CENTCOM spokesperson said, adding: “the professional intercept was conducted in accordance with international standards”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson indicated that Tehran “leaves no hostile action against the Iranian nation unanswered and will give a firm and appropriate response to any unwise measure when the time is ripe”. He further argued that “the presence of U.S. troops in Syria is illegal, and so is the mission of its fighter jets”, adding: “no safe distance was being observed”. The pilot of the airliner reportedly “change[d] altitude quickly to avoid collision”, causing “minor injuries” to some passengers. On 7 August, Iran indicated it would “pursue the issue through relevant international bodies”, and called on the UN “to reject such an unlawful and yet adventuristic act”.