Iranian Major General Mohammad Bagheri headed on Monday to the occupied Emirati island of Abu Musa amid Iranian-US tension in the Gulf Sea.
Bagheri was quoted as saying by Fars news agency, “Iran’s regional enemies should know that alongside a pacifist doctrine, Iran has a powerful military force that are ready to protect Iran’s territorial integrity, and also hold accountable countries that proposed (the US presence).”
Bagheri’s threats come two months after US introduced sanctions against Iran.
Last May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo laid out 12 tough conditions for any "new deal" with Tehran, including asking Iran to completely stop uranium enrichment, preventing nuclear proliferation, releasing US citizens detained in Iran and stopping the support of terrorism.
Bagheri claimed that “the security of the region could be secured through the cooperation of all states,” adding that “foreign presence harms such target.”
Sepah News reported that the Iranian General examined the readiness of the Iranian forces at the island of Abu Musa on Monday and said some states should not rely on the US, particularly following Washington’s decision to withdraw from the region.
Iranian circles on Monday doubted the US withdrawal from Syria and Afghanistan.
Last week, and following a long absence in the region, the USS John C. Stennis entered the Gulf, and was shadowed by the Revolutionary Guards’ speed boats.
About 30 Revolutionary Guard boats have trailed the USS John C. Stennis and its strike force last month.
