‘Foreign forces in PG source of chaos’

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the presence of trans-regional forces in the Persian Gulf has no result but chaos and disorder.

“The presence of trans-regional forces in the Persian Gulf has no necessity and is detrimental,” Vahidi said on Tuesday.

Commander of Iran’s Army Major General Ataollah Salehi warned American aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis on Tuesday not to return to its previous position in the Persian Gulf.

The carrier had left the Persian Gulf during Iran’s massive 10-day naval drill, codenamed “Velayat 90.”

The Pentagon, however, announced later on the same day that it is determined to keep US warships in the Persian Gulf.

Commenting on Iran’s policy with regards to the Strait of Hormuz, Vahidi said the Islamic Republic, as a regional power, will always maintain the security of the strategic route.

The Iranian defense minister added that Tehran’s enemies always try to create hype over such issues, and use them as an excuse to sell their weapons to regional countries.

Iran recently reiterated a warning that it could easily shut down the strategic maritime oil route in the Persian Gulf if Western governments carry out threats of imposing an oil embargo on the Islamic Republic.