Pentagon: Iran’s Maritime Activities in Southern Waters Have Increased
The spokesman for the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East says Iran’s maritime activities in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman have “increased.” Several U.S. government officials have also said they expect the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to soon conduct military exercises in the region.
CNN reported on July 31st that Iran’s military forces were preparing to conduct a “large-scale exercise” in the waters of the Persian Gulf. Hours later, Reuters news agency published a similar report.
Although Iran’s state media outlets have referenced these reports, they have not yet published any reports about reactions or statements from Islamic Republic officials on the matter.
Captain Bill Urban, spokesman for the U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in West Asia and North Africa, said: “We are aware of increased Iranian military maritime activities in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.”
Captain Urban added: “We are closely monitoring these activities and will continue working with our allies to ensure freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in international waters.”
The spokesman for the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East did not provide further clarification.
Reuters, citing several U.S. government officials, says Iran may conduct military exercises within the next 48 hours. These officials said the Revolutionary Guards have prepared over one hundred vessels for the exercise, and hundreds of ground forces may also participate.
According to U.S. officials, the possible timing of this exercise appears to be aimed at sending a message to Washington; since withdrawing from the JCPOA, the U.S. government has escalated its political and diplomatic measures to increase pressure on Tehran.
Reuters, citing U.S. officials, says the policies of Donald Trump, the U.S. President, have placed significant pressure on Iran’s economy, although U.S. intelligence organizations believe these pressures may ultimately result in increased dissatisfaction with America and the strengthening of extremists in the Islamic Republic.
On the other hand, some Trump administration officials say there is no difference in the Iranian government between those described as “moderates” and hardline figures. Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, recently said in a speech to a group of Iranian-Americans in California that “their nuclear deal did not make them moderate; this agreement turned them into wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
The publication of reports about the possible exercise in southern waters coincides with a new round of protests and demonstrations in various Iranian cities following the collapse of the rial’s value, economic conditions, price increases, and the daily rise in foreign currency and gold prices.
Source: Radio Farda
