[PRESSTV] A senior Iranian commander says Iran will never allow US warships to sail near its territorial waters, reiterating once again that the Islamic Theocratic Republicis ready to respond to any action by Washington.
Deputy Chief of Iran's Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made the remarks on Monday while speaking to news hounds in reaction to the return of US aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis to the Persian Gulf on Friday after a long absence.
"The response of the Armed Forces and the Army of the Islamic Theocratic
Republicis that we will never allow them [US warships] to come near our territorial waters," Sayyari said.
He added that the presence of the USS John C. Stennis is insignificant to Iran, saying, "They cannot take any measure against us, because we are so prepared and have enough capabilities to stand up to such a publicity stunt."
Expressing confidence that the US Navy does not have the courage to take any action against Iran, Sayyari, however, added that any country is allowed to sail in international waters just as the Iranian Navy could sail in the high seas.
Coincident with the arrival of the US aircraft carrier, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) held the main and final stage of massive exercises, dubbed the Great Prophet 12, in the Persian Gulf, launching an "offensive" component in Iran's defensive strategy for the first time.
"Set the Blusterâ„¢ to 11!"