Iran naval drills underway amid tensions with U.S. | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The United States believes Iran has started carrying out naval
exercises in the Gulf, apparently moving up the timing of annual drills
amid heightened tensions with Washington, U.S. officials told Reuters on
Thursday. [...] The U.S. military’s Central Command on Wednesday confirmed it has seen an increase in Iranian naval activity, including in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for oil shipments that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to block."
Netanyahu warns Iran: Block mouth of Red Sea and be met by force - Haaretz.com
Haaretz reports: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that any attempt by
Iran to block the Straits of Bab al-Mandab at the mouth of the Red Sea
would be met by an international coalition that would include Israel."
Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Iran's regional ambitions area clear, their presence in Syria is apparently secure and now they are demonstrating resolve in the face of sanctions. They do have leverage in the Gulf, but Israel and Saudi Arabia are signalling they are willing to counter Iran. It's a very dangerous situation. Stay tuned!
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