An international coalition to protect Gulf will bring insecurity: Iran vice president

Creating a military coalition led by the U.S. and U.K. to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz will cause insecurity in the Gulf region, Iran's vice president warned Tuesday. "The coalition to be established will increase the military presence in the region, which would increase instability," Eshaq Jahangiri said in statements. He said that the region "needs dialogue not a military coalition to resolve issues and maintain security".

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Published Date: 05:11 | 23 July 2019
Modified Date: 05:11 | 23 July 2019

An international coalition to protect the Gulf will bring insecurity, Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Tuesday, according to the IRIB news agency.

Britain called on Monday for a European-led naval mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, days after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in what London described as an act of "state piracy" in the strategic waterway.

"There is no need to form a coalition because these kinds of coalitions and the presence of foreigners in the region by itself creates insecurity," Jahangiri said. "And other than increasing insecurity it will not achieve anything else."

On July 10, the U.S. announced plans to create an international military coalition to safeguard waters off Iran and Yemen, following attacks on two oil tankers in June.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated last month after two oil tankers were attacked at the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. held Iran responsible for the attacks, an accusation denied by Tehran.

Days later, Iran shot down a U.S. drone, claiming it had violated Iran's airspace. The U.S. said the drone had been over international waters.

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