Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi strongly believes that the U.S. navy presence in the Gulf is unnecessary and harmful stressing that Iran will take all necessary steps to maintain the security of the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf.
Iran’s military already issued a warning on Tuesday reinforcing its decision to unleash its “full force” in case a U.S. aircraft carrier is redeployed to the Gulf.
The White House however deems the warning to be a reflection of Iran’s weakness as the country is struggling under international sanctions. The U.S. Defense Department firmly said it would not alter its deployment of warships to the Gulf.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, January 5, 2012; Image: Navy