Extra-regional presence in Persian Gulf source of insecurity: Zarif

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has condemned the United States’ attempts to set up a military coalition in the Persian Gulf to counter what it calls the “Iran threat,” stressing that the presence of extra-regional military forces in the strategic region will act as a “source of insecurity.”

According to Press TV, Zarif, in a post published on his official Twitter page on Friday, described the Persian Gulf as a vital lifeline, and accordingly a national security priority for Iran.

He added that Iran has long acted as the guarantor of maritime security in the body of water, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will not be reluctant to safeguard its security.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi pointed to “illegitimate existence” of the Israeli regime in the Middle East as a source of insecurity and instability.

He highlighted that Iran considers possible Israeli presence in a US-led coalition in the Persian Gulf as a clear threat to its national security, and reserves the right to counter it. 

"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 noted.

"The US regime and the illegitimate Zionist regime are responsible for all the consequences of this dangerous move," the spokesman added.

SS