TEHRAN - Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister announced on Monday that Tehran is committed to protecting the security of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that foreign forces pose a threat to the safety of West Asia’s regional waters. 

Brigadier General Mehdi Farahi made the remarks during a meeting with Ahmed Bin Salim Bin Mohamed Baomar, the head of Oman’s National Defense College. 

“The Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman are not only vital for the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman but also for the whole world. The Islamic Republic of Iran always emphasizes maritime security, especially the secure passage of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a global and industrial need, and considers itself committed to ensuring the security of this waterway,” said the deputy defense minister, adding that regional security can only be provided by regional powers. “The presence of foreign countries complicates the region's security situation and will not help in preserving it.”

The Iranian official’s warnings come after the U.S. withdrew its USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier from the Persian Gulf after about 20 days. The American aircraft carrier’s presence in the region had stoked fear about a potential military confrontation between regional forces and the U.S.

During the meeting, General Farahi stressed the importance of cooperation between Oman and Iran, expressing hope that the two sides will continue their extensive collaboration. "The deep-rooted civilizational, historical, religious, and cultural ties between the two nations have led to strong relationships at all levels. The meetings between the leaders of the two countries in recent years confirm the political will and interest of the leaders to develop bilateral relations," the official highlighted. 

Iran and Oman held a daylong maritime rescue and relief exercise in the northern Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz in November. 

Combat vessels and flight units of the naval forces of the Iranian Army as well as the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) along with Oman’s Navy took part in the exercise.

The deputy defense minister also touched on the issue of Palestine, slamming ongoing Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He said the U.S. and its Western allies are sure to blame for the disastrous consequences of Israel’s latest war on Gaza, as they have done everything in their power to prolong the regime’s brutal killing campaign.