Iran on Sunday condemned the United Kingdom’s plan on forming a naval coalition in the Persian Gulf as “provocative” and “hostile.”
This came amid rising tensions over the seizure of UK=flagged oil tanker MT Stena Impero on July 19 for allegedly smuggling fuel.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the presence of foreign forces may bring security to the region but it will remain as a source of tension between Iran and U
Alawi said the Sultanate, which maintains cordial ties with both Iran and Britain, was not mediating on the issue.
But he said Muscat was “concerned” about security in the Strait and was “in contact with all parties”.
Iranian government spokesperson Ali Rabiei also slammed UK’s proposal, he believed the security of the oil-rich Gulf had to be maintained by countries in the region.
“What you’ve heard, that they want to send a European fleet to the Persian Gulf sends a hostile message, is provocative and will increase tension,” Rabiei said.
The European-led naval mission proposal of UK has received supports from countries such as France, Italy,
However, France said on Thursday they were not willing to send extra military forces to the Gulf instead, they were more willing to share information and coordi
The US military has said it is already monitoring the area and developing a “multinational maritime effort” dubbed Operation Sentinel to increase surveillance and security in key Middle East waterways.
