Iran says military coalition to destabilize Gulf region

By Ahmet Dursun

ANKARA (AA) – 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”.

The senior Iranian official said that achieving security in the strategic waterway is related to ending the pressure imposed on Iran.

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.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat