Iran Seeks Preventing Escalation of Tensions in Region: Commander
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior Iranian military commander highlighted the combat readiness of the country’s forces in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea, stressing that Tehran seeks to manage the situation and prevent an escalation of tensions in the region.
“Iran’s policy in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea is defensive-deterrent through full-scale and active presence,” Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarter Major General Gholam Ali Rashid said on Saturday.
“While the Islamic Republic of Iran is monitoring all moves (in the southern waters) and is ready for any defensive and offensive reaction (to hostile moves), it seeks to manage incidents and prevent an escalation of tension and conflicts in the region,” the general added.
He further explained that Iran’s Persian Gulf policy is based upon three pillars: active interaction with neighboring countries, protecting regional security and stability, and decisively countering trans-regional powers’ interfering measures.
Pledging Iran’s mighty response to any provocative or destabilizing behavior in the region, Major General Rashid advised foreigners “not to test Iran’s strategic patience and power” when it comes to safeguarding its interests and creating stability in the region.
In remarks in June 2016, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei underlined that security of the Persian Gulf region comes within the purview of regional countries alone, and dismissed the US claim of seeking security in the region.
“The Persian Gulf security relates to the countries of the region which have common interests, and not to the US. So, security of the Persian Gulf should be provided by the countries of this region itself,” the Leader said.
