Iran closely monitors U.S.-led naval drill in Persian Gulf

TEHRAN, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian navy commander said that Iran's Armed Forces fully are monitoring the naval exercises of the United States and its allies in the Persian Gulf, Press TV reported on Friday.

The United States and its allies are performing the maneuvers in the Persian Gulf under the pretext of improving security but history has proven the falsehood of their claims, Second Rear Admiral Hossein Azad was quoted as saying.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy along with the country's Naval Forces are closely monitoring moves by foreign forces in international waters, northern Indian Ocean, Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, said Azad, according to the report.

He emphasized that only regional countries can safeguard security in the region.

The United States and about 25 of its allies have started the largest-scale mine-sweeping exercise in the Persian Gulf, in a show of unity and defensive step to prevent Iran's attempt to block oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian military officials have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in the face of mounting western pressure.

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Editor: Yang Lina