Vershbow said that although it is still unclear who fired on the group, it is now clear that the convoy deviated from a route out of Baghdad that was coordinated with the U.S. military.

CNN: U.S. says Russian convoy off-route

The paper issued a graphic comparing Friday's sailing with an earlier sailing by the liner, suggesting that Friday's route had deviated far from its usual course.

BBC: Costa Concordia cruise ship captain 'went off course'

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia has denied claims by Russia's ambassador to Iraq that U.S. forces deliberately fired on a convoy of diplomats and journalists in Iraq and says the convoy deviated from an agreed-upon route.

CNN: U.S. says Russian convoy off-route