We believe that the presence of [U.S.-led forces”> in the region is a threat to Iran, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi told reporters at the end of week-long naval exercises by his forces in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.
We hope that the countries of the region would bring about security in the Persian Gulf once foreign forces leave, Safavi said.
He said that he hoped that the West got the message of the military exercises by his forces, as they were closely watching it from their 125 warships in the Persian Gulf region and their spy satellites.
Security and tranquillity in the Persian Gulf region is in the interest of all nations, in particular those whose industries and livelihood is dependent on the energy of this region, he said.
On Wednesday, the IRGC commander described the Strait of Hormuz on Irans southern shores as the economic lifeline of the West and said it could be used to put pressure on Irans enemies.
About two-fifths of the world’s oil supplies pass through the 50-kilometre-wide entrance to the Persian Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are the corner stone of [Irans”> defence. The Strait of Hormuz counts as a point of economic control and pressure in the transfer of energy for aggressive powers from beyond the continent that want to endanger the security of the region, General Safavi said.
On Thursday, he reiterated that security in the Persian Gulf was tied to security in the Islamic Republic.
Irans armed forces were on alert in case of threats by the West, Safavi said.
