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Iran Repeats Opposition to Foreign Military Presence in Gulf
Iranian Navy Commander Abbas Mohtaj on Tuesday reiterated Iran's strong opposition to the " illegitimate and irrational" foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"The presence of alien forces has not only disturbed the stability and security of regional states, but is a factor inviting tension, conflict and insecurity in the region," the commander said in the Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas.
Addressing a ceremony before the start of the second stage of the "Unity-79" war games, the commander also urged regional countries to strengthen unity, solidarity and convergence to ensure lasting peace in the Gulf.
Iran's forces are friendly and have been taking steps to develop relations with neighboring countries, he said.
The large-scale "Unity-79" exercises were launched in the southern Gulf waters on Sunday with the participation of some 8,000 troops from Iran's regular army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), security forces as well as the Basiji militia.
Mohtaj said the exercises are aimed to show the capabilities and combat readiness of the Iranian armed forces, which "pivot on the principles of self-sufficiency and self-reliance."
He said that the Iranian armed forces are committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity of Iran with full might at sea and on land.
However, he pointed out that Iran's military might is " defensive," which aims to defend the country's independence and territorial integrity.
He stressed that Iran will never use its military nor non- military capabilities in aggressive actions against regional states.
Meanwhile, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Morteza Safari also expressed his opposition to foreign, particularly the United States, military presence in the Gulf region.
Iran seeks "thorough unity and full tranquility and security" in the Gulf region, so "there is no need for the presence of alien forces," he said.
He added that military maneuvers are necessary for Iran as it must counter the threats from U.S. fleets and activities in the region.
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