US, Saudi Arabia Seek to Destabilize Region: Iran’s DM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan deplored attempts by Washington and Riyadh for undermining regional security to pave the way for presence of ultra-regional forces in the region.
“Today, the United States and Saudi Arabia are attempting to make the region insecure to set the ground for presence of American and (other) trans-regional forces (here) and blame the insecurity they have created on the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the minister said.
“This is while the Islamic Republic of Iran is the source of stability, independence and sustainable security of the region,” he underscored.
General Deqhan further referred to recent statements made by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Iran’s right to have presence in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, stressing that this right allows the country to defend itself and its sovereignty in the space, air, land and sea.
Iran sees no restrictions on holding military drills in these areas, he stressed, adding that “those who have come from thousands of kilometers away and claim to be establishing security in the region should know that their presence is a source of insecurity.”
His comments came a few says after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei hammered the US for its schemes against Iran’s military presence in the Persian Gulf and made it clear that the Islamic Republic will continue to demonstrate power at its home, the Persian Gulf.
“The Persian Gulf is the Iranian nation’s home ..., and the coasts of the Persian Gulf and large parts of the Sea of Oman coasts belong to this strong nation,” Imam Khamenei said on Monday.
“We must be present in that region (the Persian Gulf), hold war games and demonstrate power… It is Americans who should explain why they have come here from the other side of the world and stage war games,” the Leader stated.
On April 28, US congressman Randy Forbes (R-Va.) introduced a provocative draft resolution claiming that Iran has “undermined stability in the ‘Arabian Gulf,’ raised the danger of inadvertent escalation, and increased the risk to US military personnel abroad.”
The resolution calls on Iran’s military forces to act in line with international law.
It further urges the US administration to respond firmly “to past and future instances of dangerous and unprofessional behavior by Iranian forces,” and pledges to consider Iran’s behavior when considering Iran sanctions and other legislation.
Iran’s foreign ministry in reaction delivered a note of protest to the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which serves as the US interests section in the Islamic Republic.
The ministry strongly rejected the meddlesome tone and the US interference in the Persian Gulf security affairs, and reiterated that the Islamic Republic will do whatever it deems necessary to maintain peace, security and stability in the Persian Gulf.