Iranian Commander Says US 'Master of World's Pirates'
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A senior Iranian commander has dismissed US allegations of Iran causing instability in the Persian Gulf, instead branding the United States as the source of insecurity in the region and dubbing it the "master of the world's pirates."
The spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi asserted that while the US accuses Iran of destabilizing the region and exploiting its resources, it is, in fact, the US that is destabilizing and looting the region.
"Americans accuse us of creating insecurity in the Persian Gulf. This is while the Persian Gulf is the home of regional countries. One should ask the Americans 'what’s your business here'?" General Shekarchi stated on Thursday.
He referred to the ongoing accusations by the US that Iran's actions in the region lead to destabilization. The US military recently disclosed deploying over 3,000 forces to the region to safeguard vessels from perceived Iranian harassment and seizure attempts.
General Shekarchi emphasized that Iran's actions are aimed at establishing security in the region, contrary to the US's agenda, which he described as seeking to create insecurity. He remarked that the US behaves as the "master of the world's pirates" and urged a rational response to counter such piracy.
"We do not intend to create insecurity with our actions," the Iranian commander affirmed. He further warned against allowing the US to threaten waterways, disrupt international trade, and compromise the interests of other nations for its own gain.
General Shekarchi highlighted Iran's commitment to regional security, including conducting naval exercises in the Persian Gulf. He pointed out that even if Iran is perceived as a source of threat, it is directed towards the US, the UK, and the Zionist regime, not regional countries with common interests.
In response to the US's announcement of deploying additional troops to the region, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) recently conducted a naval drill in the Persian Gulf. IRGC's Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami emphasized Iran's readiness to provide a "harsh response" to threats and challenges.
"There is no need for the presence of America or its European or non-European allies in this region," General Salami stated.
