Iran’s vessels in the Port of Bandar Abbas. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
Mr. Abbas made the statement as a deterrent to Israel’s possible participation in the US-led maritime coalition against Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Other countries that were invited by the US include Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Belgium, the UK and South Korea. Britain said its Royal Navy will work alongside the US Navy to provide security for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Germany has turned down the proposal while Japan said it may send vessels independently to protect its own vessels if the necessity arises.