The statement comes as the U.S. and its allies eye strengthening its presence in the area following intensified attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis
Iran’s Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned that a proposed U.S.-backed multinational task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea would face “extraordinary problems”, official Iranian media reported on Thursday.
Ashtiani’s comments came after the United States said last week it was in talks with other countries to set up a task force following a spate of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on ships in the Red Sea.
“If they make such an irrational move, they will be faced with extraordinary problems,” Ashtiani told the official Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) in comments it published on Thursday. “Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance,” he said, referring to the Red Sea.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters last week that Washington was in talks with “other countries” over forming a “maritime task force to ensure safe passage of ships in the Red Sea,” but did not give further details.
American and French navies have strengthened their presence in the Red Sea to protect vessels from the risk of seizure or attack by the Houthis. This follows a series of attacks from Iran-backed Houthis that undermine maritime security after the group vowed to attack any Israel-linked vessels.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier on Thursday reported shooting down a drone in southern Red Sea. It is said to had been launched from the Houthi-controlled area in Yemen.