Rouhani made the remarks in reaction to Israel’s claim that it’s joining a US-led maritime mission in the Persian Gulf with the aim of ensuring the safety of navigation in the strategic body of water.
He described such claims as “absurd”, saying that if Israelis are capable enough [of ensuring the security of anywhere], they had better maintain their own security wherever they are!
“Wherever they were present, they brought insecurity, carnage, and terror,” he said, describing the Zionists and the usurper regime of Israel as the main force behind terrorism, war, and killing in the region.
“No one should fall for such words and claims, as it is clear to everyone where they will end up,” he added.
Rouhani said there is no need for foreign forces in order to ensure the security and stability of Persian Gulf.
“Through unity, solidarity, and dialogue, regional countries can provide their own security, and there is no doubt that the claims and measures of the US will have no result for them,” he noted.
“Regional countries have remained neighbours and brothers throughout the history, and will remain so,” Rouhani said, adding that division and separation among regional states will serve the enemies’ interests.
He said all the claims made about a new coalition in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are for show and unfeasible, and even if realized, they won’t help the region’s security.
“All the moves made by big powers, especially the US, in this region, are aimed at dividing Muslim states and regional countries, and looting their treasuries,” he said, reiterating that Persian Gulf littoral states can ensure the region’s security if they remain together.
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had warned that any Israeli presence in the Persian Gulf may result in a war in the region, and the responsibility for the consequences of such illegal presence lies with the US and the UK.
“The United States and the United Kingdom must assume responsibility for the Zionist regime’s illegal presence in the Persian Gulf waters,” IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri told the Lebanese TV channel Al Mayadeen on Sunday.
“Any presence of the Zionist regime in the Persian Gulf waters is illegal, as it may result in war and confrontation in the region,” the top commander warned.
The comments came after Israel said it will join a US maritime coalition in the Persian Gulf, which the US says is aimed at boosting the security of navigation in the body of water.
The United States has been trying to persuade its allies to form an international coalition with the declared aim of providing “security” for merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of all oil consumed globally pass —and other strategic Middle Eastern shipping lanes.
