Ensuring Stability
The Commander of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet has defended the American-led naval exercises in the Persian Gulf as a way to ensure stability and security in the region
US admiral says Mideast drills ensure stability
By, Adam Schreck, Associated Press
MANAMA, Bahrain The admiral in charge of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet on Thursday defended the large American-led naval exercises in the Persian Gulf and other strategic Mideast waterways as a way to ensure stability and security in the region, rebutting Iran’s concerns about what it sees as foreign military meddling.
More than 30 countries are involved in the anti-mine exercises. Although the Navy says the maneuvers are purely defensive and not directed at any country, they are widely seen as a message to Iranian officials who have threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf.
Vice Admiral John W. Miller said the participation of such a large number of countries shows there is a broad, common interest in ensuring the region’s sea lanes remain safe. The Navy describes the drills as the largest ever focused on mines in the region.
“We’re prepared to make sure there is stability in the region. We understand that one of the threats that’s possibly presented to us is a threat of……[access full article]
