The US decision to build a maritime coalition to patrol the key sea route across the Strait of Hormuz has prompted outrage in Tehran, predicting it will result in more instability in the region. Tensions over the issue further escalated after reports of Israeli involvement in the matter, deemed a “clear threat” by the Islamic Republic.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has apparently taken aim at Washington' s efforts to build a US-led maritime coalition in the Persian Gulf, insisting that “any extra-regional presence is by definition source of insecurity” there. He warned that Iran “won't hesitate to safeguard its security”.
“Persian Gulf is vital lifeline and thus nat'l [sic] security priority for Iran, which has long ensured maritime security. Mindful of this reality, any extra-regional presence is by definition source of insecurity – despite propaganda”, he tweeted.
His remarks follow a rant by the the country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi, who slammed Israel's possible involvement in a US-led military coalition in the Persian Gulf as a threat to its national security. He noted that Tehran has the right to confront such a threat.
“Within the framework of the country's deterrence and defensive policy, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to counter this threat and defend its territory”, Mousavi said, as cited by the Iranian outlet Press TV.
Iranian Defence Minister…