Iranian Defence Minister: The Red Sea Is Under Our Dominance

Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has warned against the establishment of a US-backed multinational task force in the Red Sea, saying such a move would “be met with serious consequences."

“There cannot be any further military moves or power struggles in the region,” Ashtiani told Iranian media on December 14, referring to the Red Sea, which is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea on the west and Saudi Arabia and Yemen on the east.

"Definitely, no one can make a move in the region which we dominate," he also said.

Ashtiani issued the warning after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said 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." Sullivan did not give further details.

The US proposal follows a spate of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on vessels in the Red Sea. The Shia Houthi rebels have also fired drones and missiles at Israel.

American and French navies have already strengthened their presence in the Red Sea to protect ships from the risk of seizure or attack by the Houthis.