In a statement, Iran’s Armed Forces argued that “dangerous behaviours that are disruptive to the security of shipping transit [in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman] began when some adventurous and terrorist countries such as the U.S. and a number of its allies tried to gain a foothold in this region. By increasing harmful traffic and establishing military bases, the U.S. has virtually become the source of insecurity and chaos in the region”. The statement added that Iran’s military “considers the presence of the U.S. and its allies illegitimate and the source of evil and insecurity… The only safe alternative to stabilise peace is the withdrawal of U.S. troops and their allies from the region”. The statement also underscored “Iran has not and will not initiate any tensions and conflicts in the region, but it will always defend its territorial integrity with readiness, strength and power, and it is obvious that any adventure and provocative actions will be responded [to] strongly”.