Iran warned the U.S. Red Sea task force plan, saying there would be serious consequences if this naval task force was established and launched in the region.
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani shared his comments regarding the U.S. plan to establish a new naval task force in the Red Sea.
His statements also came after the United States confirmed its USS Mason Navy destroyer successfully shot down a Houthi drone coming out of Yemen on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Iran Warns US Red Sea Security Task Force
Based on Ashtiani's statements, he is threatening the U.S. regarding its ongoing and future activities in the Red Sea. On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Iranian defense minister said that outsiders have no room in the region.
"They (Americans) would definitely not attempt such a thing. If they make such a foolish move, they will face tremendous problems," said the Iranian official via Anadolu Agency, a state-run news agency in Turkey.
He added that if the U.S. makes such an irrational move, there will definitely be extraordinary problems.
"Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance," the official further stated.
According to Fox News' latest report, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed that they are still consulting other international partners and allies regarding the planned naval task force in the Red Sea.
Ryder shared this statement after the missile attack of Houthi forces on a Norwegian commercial tanker sailing in the region on Monday, Dec. 11.
He said what the Houthi forces are doing is dangerous and a clear flagrant violation of international law. Ryder argued that since they are causing international issues in the Red Sea, an international resolution is required.
About US Red Sea Naval Task Force
Previously, the U.S. government said they planned to set up a naval task force in the Red Sea. Together with its ally nations, they plan to establish a ship guard task force to protect commercial vessels passing through the region.
National Security Adviser to the U.S. President, Jake Sullivan, argued that such escorts or patrols are the proper response to the attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea.
He said that the planned U.S.-based Red Sea task force would be similar to the naval task forces in the Gulf region, where Iranian naval forces showed aggression against other vessels.
"We are in talks with other countries about a maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage of ships in the Red Sea," said Sullivan.
